Chocolate, wine and helping women

Each year, Napa Emergency Women Services and the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Napa County help women and children rebuild lives shattered by violence.

The public can help support these great organizations at the 21st  Chocolate and Wine Tasting Sunday Sept. 14 at the new Gordon Huether Studio and Gallery in Napa.

The annual Chocolate and Wine Tasting supports the NEWS emergency shelter and other programs that help women safely escape abusive relationships and get back on their feet.

Delicious chocolate concoctions — including chocolate martinis – will be on the menu at the event. In addition to chocolate and wine, there will be savory bites provided by restaurants from all over the valley and Melissa Teaff catering.

The fundraiser is also an opportunity to visit the new Gordon Huether Studio and Gallery at 1821 Monticello Road. Honorary Chairman Gordon Huether is creating a special piece just for this event, which will be presented to the top bidder at the “Fund a Need” live auction. Michael Holmes will provide his also amazing artistic decorations for the event.

A silent auctions and “some theatrical surprises” are also part of the evening.

Among the items:

• Murder Under the Gables: dinner for 16 catered by Melissa Teaff at Cedar Gables Inn, Ancient wines, and a murder mystery performance by Dreamweavers Theater.

• Terra Valentine Villa: A two-night stay for four guests with abalone dinner served by local firefighters, and Vino D’Angelo Wines.

• Calistoga Ranch dinner for four at the exclusive Lakeside Grill and two-night stay at Owner’s Lodge valued at more than $6,000.

• Fume Bistro Private Dinner for eight in your home by Chef Terry Letson, fine wines and collective art piece by Sheri Debow.

• Far Niente Lunch for eight hosted by Erik Nickel including an acrobatic performance by 370 Degree Studio and library wines.

• Ubuntu dinner and wine for eight with chefs Jeremy & Deanie Fox.

• “Big Cheese” dinner party for eight at your home by Azzurro Pizzeria, Vino D’Angelo wines, served by Chief of Police Rich Melton, Sheriff Doug Koford, and Fire Chief Tim Borman.

• Michael Chiarello Dinner for 10 in private dining room at Bottega V Marketplace, hosted by Carol and Michael Guthrie with Tour and Tasting at Alpha Omega Winery.

• Anthropology Medical Spa private consultation for six, gift certificates for future services, and a limo ride for private tour and tasting at Castillo di Amorosa, donated by Yana and Dario Sattui.

“As the only women’s shelter in the county we have a special responsibility to the women and children who live here,” said Tracy Lamb, NEWS executive director. “The Chocolate and Wine Tasting helps us raise funds and, just as importantly, raise awareness among community members. Many vulnerable women don’t know how to flee violence, or how to protect their families and reclaim their lives.”

Tickets are $75 and are available at Napa Community Bank, 700 Trancas St., from the NEWS office at 252-3687, or at www.napanews.org.

Napa Valley Register Copyright © 2009