Wine and Roses 2011

 

story and photos by Linda Kaufenberg
[email protected]

Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House presented Wine & Roses 2011 on Saturday (April 9), a major fundraising source for the cancer support house.

Event Chairs Rosalba and Dr. Tony de Mondesert, Brooke and Steven Spradlin, and Sondi Farmer and George Catsavis, along with the Wine & Roses committee incorporated a bright new look, exquisite wines, unique art, heavenly menu selections, and great music for a spectacular evening.

The Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House offers a variety of programs and services in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere at no cost to the patient or family. With a unique mix of support, the house has assisted thousands of cancer patients and their family members with their battle against cancer.

Guests were greeted with piano music of Dr. Rosilee Walker-Russell. Later in the evening, featured band, Wingnut, took he stage; their music ranges from Van Morrison to Lady Gaga. The support house’s back yard was transformed into a live music venue and a delightful place to eat and visit with friends.

Food was catered by Juliana Pfeffer. She recently spent the day with Paula Deen promoting Paula’s new cookbook. Juliane’s lemon drop coolies will soon be sold in Sam’s across the country. The menu consisted of appetizers — including stuffed cherry tomatoes and crab cups mushrooms. On the buffet were grilled beef tenderloin, smoked salmon, French lamb chops and all the trimmings

The cornerstone of the night’s festivities was the wine auction. This year’s auctioneers, back for a second year, are dad and son duo Jim Hadley and Michael Hadley, who were helped by Charles Logan. Rare and exclusive wines from various wineries and private stocks were available to purchase in a fun and lively atmosphere.

One of the most spectacular parts of the evening is the hundreds of roses that will fill every room the House. In addition to their color, beauty and sweet fragrance, they have significant meaning. Each bouquet serves as a tribute to many who are facing or have faced cancer. Each bouquet was purchased by friends and family members of loved ones touched by cancer.

The House was also filled with amazing art on which guests could bid. The artists featured included: Dolores Justus uses elements of nature in oil, acrylics and watercolors; Barbara Lewis, bronze; John Humphry, photography; J.P. Bell, photography featuring Arkansas landscapes, canoeing and steam railroading; Lisa Krannichfeld, figurative work using the human body; Zeek Taylor, stylized watercolors; and, Cindy Beller, original handmade jewelry.