New and longtime volunteers, event chairs and sponsors recently gathered at the Highland Village home of John and Carol Carter to kick off fundraising efforts for the seventh North Texas Wine Opener-Viva Argentina! benefiting cystic fibrosis research.
The silent, big board and live auction at the April 9, 2011 event, already more than halfway to ‘sold out’ status, will feature items gathered at the gift-giving party: a signed Roger Staubach helmet, award-winning wine, a weekend at the 5-star Mansion on Turtle Creek, gourmet pizza party and weeklong Argentinean experience, including a VIP tour of Terrazas de los Andes’ high elevation vineyards near Mendoza, Argentina.
Guests enjoyed spicy shrimp and gazpacho shooters, pulled pork sliders and marinated tomato/mozzarella skewers prepared by Rick Garrison’s Sidecar Catering and raised glasses of Terrazas de los Andes wine in a toast to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.
Bob Jones, father of 6th grader Matthew Jones who has CF, reminded everyone that they can make a difference.
“Matthew is doing well, but many children we know spend more days in the hospital every year than they do at home,” said Jones. “Research funded by events like the Wine Opener has resulted in advances that target the CF gene, so instead of treating the symptoms, we are narrowing in on a cure.”
The long-time fundraiser for the Northeast chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and most successful of its kind for the foundation, moves to Old Town Lewisville’s Royal Affairs Ballroom next April.
More than 300 guests will enjoy a traditional “asada” barbecue prepared by acclaimed chef Morris Salerno; a selection of Argentinean wines generously supplied by Moet Hennessey and Terrazas de los Andes; a roof-top “tango lounge;” musical entertainment; and a silent and live auction led by GDP Auctioneer Services. All proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
In the months leading up to the April 9, 2011 event, fundraising efforts will continue with lemonade stands by event sponsor The Lemonade Pals, a garage sale, Bridlewood Elementary Hat Day, and a percentage of sales from Treasure Chest Thrift Store in Lewisville.
Eric and Jill Welke return as event co-chairs for the North Texas Wine Opener.
“Cumulatively, we have raised over $1 million for the Foundation, of which 90 cents on the dollar funds vital research to find a cure or control for cystic fibrosis, including drug, physical and genetic studies,” said Eric Welke. “With the ongoing support of this incredibly generous community, I’m certain we can add even more tomorrows for North Texas families living with this life-threatening disease.”
For tickets to the North Texas Wine Opener or information on sponsorship opportunities, call the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northeast Texas at 214-871-2222 or visit www.cfwineopener.org. This event is open to the community; however, tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance for $150 each – $115 of that amount is tax deductible.
Generous financial sponsors currently include: Jeroboam Sponsor Reptrax; Magnum Sponsors Lemonade Pals; The North Face; Carafe Sponsors Anonymous; Driscoll Professional Services; Lakeside Eye Care; Morning Star Energy, LLC; Pediatric Dental World; Lisa Y. Pierce, MD, PA; Radio One Dallas 97.9 The Beat and 94.5 KSOUL; ½ Carafe Sponsors Ryan & Sandra Adair; Bowen Landscape; Lisa K. Clayton, M.D.; Dianne Paroubek, Merrill Lynch; Honorable Mike Donnelly & Family, Town of Double Oak Mayor; Games 2U; Gronberg Orthodontics; The Laplante Family; Maxsys Solutions; NORTHSTAR BANK OF TEXAS; Orthopedic Associates – Flower Mound – Lewisville; Starin Family Care Chiropractic; and zpizza. Event Sponsors include: The A/V Team; Bridlewood Elementary; Cabot Vermont Cheese; John and Carol Carter; The Cross Timbers Gazette; Distinctions; Games 2U; GDP Services; Graphic Converting, LTD.; The Grotto; IMS Relocation; Mail Boxes & More; Nestle; Pain Delice; Royal Affairs Ballroom; Salerno’s Italian Restaurant; Gail Slangerup; Holly Paulson of Sillyheads Photography; Strange, Downing & Coats, P.C., CPAs; Terrazas de los Andes; Ussery Printing; Kellene & Alfredo Villalobos; and Weboniks.com – Flower Mound. (Sponsors as of Nov. 1, 2010)
