Consider yourself a wine snob? On Feb. 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., there will be a wine tasting extravaganza at The Courtyard by Marriott, 70 Constitution Ave., to benefit the genetic counseling program at the Concord Hospital Breast Care Center. With more than 100 varieties of wine from around the world, there’s certain to be something worth sipping for even the most discerning taste buds.
To learn more about this event, we talked with Jessica Bailey, philanthropy event associate at the hospital, who gave us the details on the wine, the genetic counseling program and how you (yes, you!) could win some serious bling thanks to the “Sparkling Raffle.”
There’s sure to be a lot of wine next Thursday – can you give people an idea of the wineries that will make an appearance?
Some wineries represented will include Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, Calif.; Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley, Calif.; Frog’s Leap, Napa Valley, Calif.; Justin, Paso Robles Appellation, Calif.; as well as Pacific Rim, a distributor of wines from Argentina, Australia, California, Lebanon, Morocco, New Zealand, Oregon, and Spain; and Washington Layer Cake Wines, a distributor of wines from Napa Valley, Calif., Australia, Argentina and Italy.
Who was the lucky person who got to choose the wines for this event?
A committee member, Marie Colbath, who also works with wine experts at Martignetti Companies of NH Inc. (one of our lead sponsors), plays a pivotal role in choosing the wines for the event.
What’s some other behind-the-scenes work that goes into an event like this?
We have a committee that meets once a month beginning every August that works out details to make the event a success. Members obtain corporate sponsorships to help underwrite expenses so that the majority of the funds raised go directly to the genetic counseling program at the Breast Care Center. The committee asks local businesses to donate raffle prizes, food, floral arrangements and entertainment. The committee also works nonstop to spread the word about this great, fun night out in Concord.
Will there be any food?
There will be plenty of food. The Courtyard by Marriott and Concord Cooperative Market – two of our lead sponsors – will provide an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, as well as The Common Man and O Steakhouse.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code leans toward business casual since many participants attend the event after work.
How does the raffle work?
This year’s “Sparkling Raffle” is a 14k white gold diamond ring containing 1 carat total weight of round brilliant cut diamonds valued at $1,995, donated by Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers. Anyone can purchase a ticket for $10 or three for $25 before and during the event. In addition, people can take a chance at winning a 2010 C300 Mercedes valued at $40,000, sponsored by Holloway Motor Cars. Tickets are only available during the event for $15.
Tell us more about the Genetic Counseling program.
Breast cancer was once again the most common cancer diagnosed in women at Concord Hospital. The genetic counseling program at the Breast Care Center is available close to home for inpiduals over the age of 18 who may be at high risk of developing not only breast cancer, but also other cancers such as ovarian and colorectal. Through a collaborative effort between Concord Hospital, New Hampshire-Oncology Hematology and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, patients receive testing, counseling and work closely with their healthcare providers in taking proper steps for potential cancer risk reduction. Since the program started three years ago, 236 patients have come for counseling, and 105 have been tested. It is an integral program that brings the local and national experts together and one that is most definitely needed for our community.
Tickets are $30 or $25 per person for groups of 10 or more. Since a limited number of tickets are available, get yours by calling 225-2711, ext. 3076, or visiting concordhospital.org. For more information about the Breast Care Center and the Genetic Counseling Program, call 230-7266 or visit concordhospital.org.
