Food bank gearing up for 2nd annual wine tasting event

F.O.R. Maricopa, the community’s local food bank, is planning the second annual Grape Escapes wine tasting event to be held Oct. 22 at The Duke.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste a variety of premium wines and enjoy appetizers, while making a difference for families in Maricopa.

“Not only is this a fun social event for the community, but it also allows the community to play a significant role in the food bank,” said Wendy Webb, executive director of F.O.R. “The food bank could not exist without the community’s support, and this is a great way to get involved. Be sure to save the date.”

Guests attending last year’s event enjoyed the fresh fall air, great live music and a warm crackling fire while sipping on six different wines with paired appetizers supplied by the Silver Spur Restaurant at The Duke. They also received a souvenir wine glass and a bottle of wine to enjoy at home. More importantly, the 130 people in attendance raised over $6,500 to support F.O.R. Maricopa.

Local businesses played a vital role in last year’s event, helping to offset the cost of the wine and donating numerous gifts and items for the silent auction and raffle.

Sponsorships, including promotion and two event tickets, are available at the following levels:
Gold (two available) $750, Silver (three available) $500 and Table (ten available) $300.

As unemployment in Arizona rises, so does the need. The food bank is currently serving over 120 Maricopa families each week. This year F.O.R hopes to see 200 people at Grape Escapes, raising $10,000 to support the food bank.

Tickets, $100 per couple and $60 for a single, are on sale now at www.formaricopa.org/wine.

For more information about the event or becoming a business sponsor, email Webb at [email protected] or call 520-251-0226.

If you go:

What: Grape Escapes food bank fundraiser
When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: The Duke at Rancho El Dorado
Cost: $100 per couple; $60 for single tickets

Staff photo