Savory Sips offers 'Inspiration' to fund Roswell research

by Alex Muto

Savory Sips and Village Wine Tours, a new business on Center Street, and owner Rebecca Christie is eager to begin doing her part to serve the Buffalo region. After Christie came up with the idea to hold a tribute concert to help fund Roswell Park Cancer Institute research, she began contacting musicians to play at the event and businesses to support the endeavor.

The sponsors and musicians Christie contacted for the event, "Inspiration," were equally enthusiastic. Christie says, "When I came up with this idea, I found that Roswell was thrilled to be a part of this event, and the band (playing the concert, Beatle Magic), donated a lot of money to sponsor this project. I was also able to make up the rest of the difference with enthusiastic sponsors."

The upcoming concert, "Inspiration," will take place on Sunday, Aug. 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Academy Park. Beatle Magic, a Beatles tribute band, will perform. Christie is thrilled they were able to coordinate the concert with Beatle Magic, a very "high-end tribute band" that plays at large, popular venues such as Hamptons and Casinos. Christie is confident that with their talent, Beatle Magic can bring in an enthusiastic crowd to support the cause. She explains, "Their concerts usually bring forth huge proceeds, so they are doing us a huge favor. We are grateful to Russell Thomas, the president of Beatle Magic, who coordinated this event for us."

In addition to music, visitors will enjoy many food, beer, wine, and dessert choices. Christie is pleased to announce that local businesses Hops-N-Vines will offer beer and Savory Sips and Village Wine Tours will offer wine selections at the event. Additionally, Buffalo-based Risa's Deli of Delaware Avenue will be the food vendor, and Caramici's Bakery of Hertel Avenue will sell baked goods. Concertgoers will enjoy a delicious assortment of food from all over the Buffalo and Niagara region.

Christie notes that these businesses are among the sponsors for the event vital to funding. Other sponsors include Lockport's Honey Bunz Organic Day Salon; The Wilson House in Wilson; www.finditquick.com, the ticket sellers; and Dr. Laszlo Mechtler, chief of neurology and ontology at Roswell, and Kristina Mechtler. Christie commends their generosity towards this important project. She notes that she couldn't have started this charitable event without the help of the event's organizers, coordinators. She explains, "This is my first year in business in Lewiston, and the support of these friends and community has been vital in starting this event. I want to thank everyone for bringing this together."

Tickets can be purchased for $15 at Savory Sips and Village Wine Tours, 467 Center St., or by calling 754-2008. They can also be purchased for $7.50 on www.finditquick.com. Tickets will be returned after they are presented at the concert, and will be good for discounts at many of the sponsoring businesses.

Christie emphasizes that, "One hundred percent of the proceeds will be put toward research at Roswell Cancer Institute."

The food and festivities promise for a fun event, and she finds that "this should be a great event for the entire family. Come out and support this important cause!"

Anyone with a giving spirit looking to enjoy music and entertainment is encouraged to consider attending the performance.