More than 1,000 supporters of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Arkansas Chapter, helped the group net $350,000 at the annual Wine Opener on Feb. 7 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.
Proceeds from the tasting event will go to support research for medications to treat the genetic disease, improve the quality for life for those with cystic fibrosis and find a cure.
At a Glance
Wine Opener
Who: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northwest Arkansas
What: The tasting event helped raise more than $150,000 for the nonprofit organization.
When: Feb. 7
Where: John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers
Next: Great Strides, June 6
Information: (479) 799-3206 or cff.org/arkansas
Chilirhea
Who: Alzheimer’s Arkansas, UAMS Reynolds Institute on Aging
What: The 15th annual and final competition cooked up more than $122,000 to help support Alzheimer’s charities.
When: Feb. 8
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville
Information: (501) 626-6563 or chilirhea.net
The more than 100 wines featured at the fundraiser included varieties from E&J Gallo Winery, Ferrara, Constellation Brands, Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits, Moet-Hennessey, Ste. Michelle Vinyards, Treasury Wine Estates, Trinchero Family Estates, Palm Bay International, Riboli Family Wine Estates, Wente Vineyards, The Boston Brewery and Lagunitas Brewing Company,
Bars for those who prefer spirits to wine were sponsored by Beam Suntory, Brown Forman, Deutsch Family, Diageo, The Patron, Bacardi and Tito's. The Deutsch Family, Redemption Rye, was exclusively served in the Private Reserve area. Beer was available from Lagunitas Brewing Company.
Participating area restaurants and caterers included Torchy's Tacos, Chicken Salad Chick, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Fish City Grill and Cheers at the Old Post Office.
Those gathering for the opener included Katie and Jason Fremstad, Andrea Albright, Ann Theile, Ari Kertesz, Beth Leal, Amanda Williams, Jodi and Jim Large and Amy and Paul Johnson.
Next up for the group will be Great Strides on June 6.
The 15th annual and final Chilirhea benefit on Feb. 8 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville helped raise more than $122,000 for Alzheimer's Arkansas and UAMS Reynolds Institute on Aging to help fulfill its mission "to provide funds aiding in research that helps eradicate Alzheimer's disease as well as provide resources for caregivers caring for Alzheimer's patients."
Nearly 30 teams competed to cook up the winning batch of chili, with Culpepper Family Dentistry taking top honors for best chili.
Alzheimer's Arkansas is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission "is to provide the information and support needed so that all Arkansans affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia are able to live with dignity and comfort until a cure is found."
Offerings include family support groups, family education sessions, early-stage patient support groups, toll-free 24-hour telephone support for caregivers, public policy advocacy, training and financial assistance for caregivers.
Those championing Alzheimer's charities at Chilirhea included Amanda and Corey Scott, Gale and Tom Scott, Karla and Phillip Scott, Wendy Farrer, Blake Pennington, Tanya Mims, Nadia Coleman, Stephanie Oswald, Kaitlyn Duncan and Casi Shanks.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 02/16/2020