2016 'Casual Elegance' fundraiser to once again benefit youth recreation programs

New Directions Youth and Family Services has announced its seventh annual fundraiser - "Casual Elegance" - will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 29, at Foundry Hotel & Banquet, 1738 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo.

Similar to last year's event, guests will have the opportunity to experience a variety of wine and beer tasting, games and charity raffles, all while benefiting the hundreds of at-risk children served by New Directions Youth and Family Services. More than 200 people attended the 2015 event at the Foundry.

Among the wineries, breweries and distributors participating in the 2016 event are Arrowhead Spring Winery, Chauteau Niagara Winery, Empire Wine Merchants, 716 Cellars, Opici Wine Company, Victorianbourg Wine Estate, F.W. Langguth-Erben, Flying Bison Brewery and Southern Tier Brewing Co. All of the distributors will volunteer staff and award-winning vintages in support of the event. Professionally trained wine and beer experts will be on hand to discuss drink and food pairings, as well as educate guests about wine-tasting techniques.

In addition, other participating vendors will include Stuff Chocolate Ltd. (Amherst), Ashker's Juice Bar on Elmwood, D'Avolio Olive Oil, Vinegars & More, Fairy Cakes and Paula's Donuts.

In keeping with the event's lively theme, this year's fundraiser will feature a local caricature artist, Bill Gallagher, and magician Ted Burzynski. In addition, guests will be able to enjoy artwork on display and a silent auction by the students of the Henrietta G. Lewis Campus School and Randolph Academy.

"This fundraiser means so much to our agency, because of the important programs it funds for our children," said Jim Coder, CEO of New Directions. "The event also provides a valuable opportunity for our guests to learn about our many youth services and support the mission of New Directions in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We are so grateful for the tremendous amount of support we continue to receive as this event grows larger and larger each year."

Tickets to the event cost $40 per person, or $75 a couple, and include all wine tastings, hors d'oeuvres and any additional samplings. Guests will also be able to take part in a variety of basket raffles.

For more information regarding the event, including other sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, call 716-358-3636, ext. 270, or visit http://fosteringgood.org/support-us#events.

New Directions Youth and Family Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency with a heritage going back more than 130 years. Its mission is to foster resilient, self-reliant families and permanence for at-risk children in the shortest time possible, by promoting safe, respectful, responsible and goal-directed behavior. The agency's mission is promoted through dedicated, caring staff and by employing its treatment philosophy of Normative Culture. For more information about New Directions Youth and Family Services, visit fosteringgood.org.