Event to benefit horticulture program for people with disabilities

The Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse, a horticulture program of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a not-for-profit agency, will host fundraising event "Vines & Wines" from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Merani Hotel Group's Four Points by Sheraton, 7001 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls (just off of the I-190).

The benefit will assist the agency to enhance its innovative horticulture therapy programs for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, including enhancing the current educational and growing space of the greenhouse.

Tickets are $20 each presale (or $25 at the door) and may be purchased online at www.opportunitiesunlimited.org/greenhouse/store/ or at the four administrative buildings at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara.

Admission includes a wine tasting and one sheet of tickets for an imaginative home interiors, sporting and gardening-themed auction.

There will also be a high-end auction, wine raffle, chocolate tastings from Jacolatte, door prizes and a cash bar. National garden expert David Clark will present organic growing tips and will raffle a personal landscape consultation.

Wineries confirmed to date are Vizcarra Vineyards and Arrowhead Springs Vineyard. The main sponsor for the event is Merani Hotel Group. Additional sponsorships are available; contact Bob Bracikowski at 716-504-2617, ext. 244, or [email protected].

For 60 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, supported employment, community volunteering, technology, service coordination, exceptional parenting, recreation (youth and adult), residential, geriatric assessments/therapies, fine arts, horticulture therapy and health-related support services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities from newborn to seniors, and their families throughout Niagara County.

For more information about the event, call 716-297-6400, email [email protected] or visit www.opportunitiesunlimited.org.