Wine-tasting event will aid charity
BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent

COLTS NECK - Wine, chocolate, music and more will be enjoyed during the second annual wine-tasting benefit sponsored by the Colts Neck chapter of the Lions Club to treat preventable blindness. The event will be held at the community center in Bucks Mill Park, Bucks Mill Road, from 2-6 p.m. May 31.

According to Sil Lutkewitte, who chairs the event with Sal Barbagello, the wine-tasting will benefit Sight First II, a worldwide program of Lions Club International that focuses on the 80 percent of blindness that is preventable and curable.

"The average worldwide cost of eye care is $6," Lutkewitte said. "One ticket could treat four to five people and help decrease blindness. The entire ticket cost will be donated to the cause thanks to personal donations and the support of community businesses."

Lutkewitte said about 100 different wines will be available for tasting, including vintages from the Four JG Vineyards, Colts Neck, and the Laurita Vineyards, New Egypt. Laird Distillers, of the Scobeyville section of Colts Neck, a local wine distributor, will be represented as well other distributors, including those from Colts Neck Buy-Rite Liquors and Spirits Unlimited, Red Bank.

Wine-drinking music will be provided by Bob Leibner, owner of the Custom Shop music store, Colts Neck. Chocolate Legends, a Colts Neck chocolatier, will offer samples of chocolate to match with appropriate wines.

Delicious Orchards and ShopRite have donated refreshments that include cheese, crackers and fruit.

Last year's event, Lutkewitte said, raised $7,000 toward the chapter's pledge of $25,000 for Sight First II.

"Hopefully, this year's event will be even more successful and more enjoyable while helping a worthy cause," he said.

Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple and may be purchased on the day of the wine-tasting. For further information call 732-946-4859.