Wine Opener raises $255,000 for CF Foundation

Volunteers and sponsors of the North Texas Wine Opener gathered at the Flower Mound WineStyles on June 11 to hear the total raised and present the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) with a check for $255,000.

The check represents the net proceeds from the gala event on April 9, 2011 at Royal Affairs Ballroom and fundraising efforts such as Lemonade Pals, a garage sale and student change drive.

Event co-chair Jill Welke first thanked special financial sponsors and the auction’s top bidders: Mike and Linda Sheehan with RepTrax. Also recognized for their above-and-beyond support were country recording star Steve Holy, who graciously donated his time and talents to the event; Joe and Chris Strange; Scott and Christi Strange; Cory and Amy Strange; DJ Tony Moon; Morris Salerno, The Grotto; Ed Kukol, Terrazas de los Andes; John and Carol Carter; and Ty Farley, the AV Team. Cristina’s and zpizza generously provided food for the check presentation evening.

Once again, the North Texas Wine Opener earned the distinction of being the single-most successful fundraising event of its kind in the nation for the CFF.

For the 2011 event, chairpersons contained expenses to an incredibly low five percent of the total raised. “You won’t find a fundraising event anywhere in the country with that ratio,” Eric Welke told the crowd. “I think it’s important for you all to know what the event chairs dedicate themselves to so we can stay true to our mission of bringing in the maximum amount of dollars for CF research.”

More than 350 guests attended the sold-out event at the Royal Affairs Ballroom for an Argentinean-themed evening that featured headliner Steve Holy. Morris Salerno created the menu for a seated gourmet dinner accompanied by fabulous breads by Pain Delice and a selection of fine Terrazas de los Andes wines donated by event sponsor Ed Kukol. Award winning WFAA-Channel 8 chief meteorologist Pete Delkus again served as honorary chairperson.

To find out how to contribute to the North Texas Wine Opener and the CFF, visit www.cfwineopener.org.