Northwest Arkansas Wine Opener Brings Fine Spirit (and Spirits) to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

April 9, 2009

Too many cooks spoil the broth? Not so at the Arkansas Chapter’s second annual Wine Opener. Top chefs from seven local restaurants displayed their talents for 315 hungry guests, and the night of fine food and wine raised $50,000—a 67 percent net increase over last year’s event.

Details That Made a Difference

Held at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Bentonville, Arkansas, the Wine Opener presented an array of delicious treats, with everything from Johnny Brusco’s ultra-gourmet pizza to Mimi’s Café’s down-home chicken pot pie. Wines from around the world were uncorked, and jazz combo “Jazzmopolitan” provided a melodic background.

At the silent auction, guests bid for more than 150 coveted items including an extravagant  child’s playhouse and a blowup bouncer. Raffle tickets for the 2009 Nissan Altima, donated by Superior Nissan in Fayetteville, sold like hotcakes.

“Our event committee was remarkable,” said event co-chair Allison Brock. “Thanks to their energy and enthusiasm, we sold 100 more tickets than last year, had a bigger and better silent auction and got the greatest sponsors ever.”

Thanks a Million

The Wine Opener was a success thanks to the unflagging efforts of the following volunteers: