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Pictured, from left: Peter Casilio, board co-chair of Wines of Distinction; Erin Kent, employee co-chair; and Mark Tramont, community co-chair.
Pictured, from left: Peter Casilio, board co-chair of Wines of Distinction; Erin Kent, employee co-chair; and Mark Tramont, community co-chair.

New Directions set to uncork 3rd annual Wines of Distinction

by jmaloni
Fri, Apr 13th 2012 07:00 am

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help to update recreational equipment and fund recreational activities for at-risk children

Press release

New Directions Youth and Family Services, Western New York's leading provider of services for at-risk children and families, invites the community to join the organization for an evening of fine wines, acoustic melodies and gourmet hors d'oeuvres at the third annual Wines of Distinction fundraiser, Friday, April 27, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lockport Town and Country Club, 717 East Ave., Lockport.

The event will provide an opportunity to learn more about one the area's most dynamic human service agencies while sampling wines from around the world and a first-class selection from the region's own award-winning Niagara Wine Trail.

This event will also feature charity raffles. All proceeds from Wines of Distinction will be used to fund recreational equipment and recreational activities. New Directions' unique blend of experiential and adventure recreational activities helps children at Wyndham Lawn Home for Children in Lockport, Randolph Children's Home in Randolph, and New Directions' foster care, community-based prevention, and post adoption programs.

Peter Casilio is president of P.A.T. Construction Management Corporation and a novelist who has recently completed his first manuscript for publication submission. He is a member of New Directions board of trustees and co-chair of the event.

"This year's Wines of Distinction will be the best yet; we have a record number of wineries exhibiting and have some fantastic prizes," Casilio said. "It is a privilege to co-chair this event and help this valuable community agency continue its tireless dedication of helping at-risk children and preparing them for opportunities and success in their lives. New Directions' services are irreplaceable to children and families in need throughout Western New York, and I am proud to lend my expertise."

The 2012 Wines of Distinction will feature live music by local acoustic guitar favorite Randy Graham, and the smooth piano melodies of Kevin Clark. Attendees will be treated to a variety of wines from around the world, including five varieties from the Niagara region's premier wineries. The wineries and distributors are volunteering both their staff and award-winning vintages to help support New Directions. The Niagara Wine Trail wineries that will be at the event with their unique blends are Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, Black Willow Winery, A Gust of Sun Winery, Vizcarra Vineyards and Chateau Niagara Winery, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. If your wine preferences are focused on other regions of the world, no worries. Empire North and Opici Wine & Spirits will provide superb vintages from some of the most prestigious wine-producing regions on Earth. Professionally trained wine experts will also be on hand to discuss wines, food pairings and to educate on wine tasting techniques.

To complement the tasting, a wide variety of gourmet hors d'oeuvres, imported cheeses, delectable deserts and fresh brewed coffees and teas will be served. A cash bar will also be available.

And in case you're not a wine lover, new this year, samples of Southern Tier Brewery's famous brands will be available. Also new this year, Olive Oil by Tuscany on Main will offer tastings of its unique and delicious products. For chocolate connoisseurs, Oh Pour L'Amour Du Chocolat (Oh, for the Love of Chocolate) will be serving up its famous confectionery masterpieces.

"Like many non-profits across the state, New Directions is finding ways to do more with less, raising monies to ensure essential programming such as therapeutic recreation remains fully funded and stays intact for the children that come to us for help," said James Coder, CEO of New Directions.

Tickets to the event cost $35 per person or $60 a couple, and include all wine tastings, hors d'oeuvres and any additional samplings. Event goers will also be able to take part in a special prize raffle, and basket raffles, featuring use of a luxury box for a Bisons game, an iPad, a flat screen television, professional sports memorabilia, and golf outings - just to name a few.

For more information regarding Wines of Distinction, or to purchase tickets, call 433-4487, ext. 489, or visit www.fosteringgood.org.

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