The Darien Chamber of Commerce invites all to its 11th Annual Wine Tasting and Charity Auction on Oct. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at BMW of Darien, 140 Ledge Road.
The fundraiser will benefit the Darien Arts Center, The Depot Youth Center and the Darien Chamber Charitable Foundation, and will feature a selection of fine wines from WinePort of Darien, along with a variety of gourmet foods from area restaurants and caterers.
A charity auction will feature many special items. Darien Rowayton Bank is the “elite sponsor” for this event, as well as throughout the year for the Chamber.
The events’ proceeds will benefit three non-profits in Darien:
- The Darien Arts Center, celebrating its 40th year in 2015, provides visual and performing arts programs and events for the community, offering educational programs in dance, visual arts, music and theatre, live theatre performances by DAC Stage and special events.
- The Depot is the Darien Youth Center run by and for students. It offers a welcoming, relaxed, judgment-free and safe home-away-from-home, while providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, community outreach and connections.
- The Darien Chamber Charitable Foundation was formed to support and facilitate programs that have a positive effect and enrich the quality of life in Darien. Its major projects are the Darien Scholarship Program and the Darien Holiday Lighting Program.
One of the unique items included in the evening’s silent auction is a day as a fighter plane co-pilot, complete with a briefing on G-forces, rules of engagement and dogfight maneuvers, and a DVD of the experience.
Also included are:
- a fishing day at Preston Mountain Club,
- an in-home dinner party for 8 prepared and served by Amanda Smith Caterers,
- a Super Bowl party for 50 at the DAC Weatherstone Studio complete with food and 114” TV for viewing,
- a family portrait package from award-winning photographer Ben Larrabee, Jet Blue tickets for two,
- tickets to a live filming of the Seth Meyers Late Night Show,
- memberships to the Darien YMCA and Equinox,
- getaway trips,
- and many more items from local retailers and restaurants.
Tom Geary, owner of Geary Gallery, will act as auctioneer.
“This wine tasting event is the perfect example of bringing our local business/retail community, restaurateurs, Darien non-profit organizations and area residents together to raise money to benefit our community”, commented Susan Cator, executive director of the Darien Chamber of Commerce.
Tickets for the Wine Tasting and Charity Auction are limited, and can be purchased in advance for $50 at DarienCTChamber.com, or at the door for $65.
Committee Members pictured: Front L to R–Pamela Ha-Stevenson, RK Russell, Toni Sabia, Kaye Leong, Barbara Busskohl. Back Row L to R—Amy Allen, Susan Cator, Cathleen Stack, Julia Ambrosi, Rob Pik Other Committee members not present: Kathy Arrix, Tom Geary-Auctioneer, Laurie Griffith, Sarah Keating, Peter Saverine-Consultant, Tim Smith, Lauren Spicehandler.