Grape Escapes surpasses fundraising goal, mayor sells for $1,000

Nearly 200 local residents enjoyed some Grape Escapes at The Duke Thursday evening as part of the wine-tasting fundraiser for the F.O.R. Maricopa food bank.

The highlight of the evening was the auctioning off of various public officials, plus a dinner with Maricopa firefighters, won by Julie Mangino. With the help of auctioneer Keith Kirkman, Vice-Mayor Brent Murphree, City Manager Kevin Evans, Public Safety Director Patrick Melvin and Mayor Anthony Smith went to the highest bidder to do a job share and lunch for a day. Each gentleman will host the winner at his workplace in the morning and then trade places with them in the afternoon.

Dawn Evans, wife of the city manager, had the winning bid for Melvin. She asked if perhaps he could pick up their daughter from school in a fire truck. She also mentioned in the afternoons she had “vacuuming and windows to do.”

Former mayor Kelly Anderson won the bid for city manager Evans, even though Evans mentioned some septic tank issues at city hall that Anderson might want to look into.

Although Smith promised potential bidders a ride on his Harley motorcycle, Mike Justice, who had the winning bid of $1,000 for the mayor, said, “We’ll be playing golf.”

The live auction netted approximately $3,000 for the food bank, which is currently serving about 160 families each week. Food or monetary donations are always welcome, and food is gleaned from Fry’s, Wal-Mart and Bashas’. Costco will also participate next month.

F.O.R. Executive Director Wendi Webb thanked those in attendance, as well as the many unpaid volunteers who work at the food bank. She also referenced the new, refrigerated truck parked in front of The Duke. Purchased about two weeks ago, the truck will make its first road trip to Casa Grande Friday morning

The event, sponsored by Courtny Tyler’s State Farm Insurance, featured six wines for tasting with food pairings at three wine stations, sponsored by Silver Sponsors: Home is Where the Hound Is, DEG Construction and Electrical District No. 3.

Orbitel Communications was the Platinum Sponsor, and Gold Sponsors were Bridger Kimball and H&N Landscaping. Various groups or individuals sponsored nine event tables while others donated silent auction or raffle items. Creative Occasions provided decorations, and Fosters donated the tasting wines.

According to Webb, Great Escapes more than met the fundraising goal of $10,000 for the food bank, and each guest went home with a wine glass and a bottle of wine.

Photos by Joyce Hollis