This Thursday, the Ohio University Inn will pair vino with live and silent auctions to raise money for the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness about premature births and birth defects.
The Annual Athens Wine Tasting and Auction has donated about $5,000 each year to the March of Dimes and expects to earn even more this year, said Linda Richards, Columbus community director at the March of Dimes.
All event proceeds, including ticket sales and auction items, benefit the March of Dimes, said Becky Watts, chairperson for the 2011 auction. Watts is also chief of staff to President McDavis.
“There is really very little in the way of overhead costs for the March of Dimes,” Watts said. “Almost every penny goes to the March of Dimes for research.”
Glazer’s, Heidleberg Distributing Company and Vintage Wine Distributor, all Columbus, OH-based wine distributers, will each donate a red and white wine for the event, said McKenzie Mauck, sales and catering manager at the Ohio University Inn and Conference Center.
Lui Lui Restaurant, The Oak Room Bar and Grill, Kiser’s BBQ Shack and The Ohio University Inn Cutler’s Restaurant will donate hors d’oeuvres and dessert to the event, Mauck said.
Local businesses donated all auction items, which include everything from condo giveaway packages to house cleaning services and beautician appointments.
“It’s goods and services all across the board. Folks are so generous to give us these products and services,” Watts said.
Watts credits the projected increase in proceeds from this year’s auction to its newest asset: celebrity waiters.
Joe Carbone, Ohio University’s head baseball coach, and J.R. Blackburn, executive director of development for Ohio University, are two of the 11 local “celebrities” who will serve as waiters, according to a press release.
While guests wine and dine, volunteers at the event will aid in promoting the March of Dimes’ message.
Chris Hayes, associate director for Academic Affairs and a member of the March of Dimes Ohio Executive Board, said this is his 10th year working the auction.
Hayes said he became involved with the mission after his 16-month-old son, Ben, who was born 10 weeks premature, died.
“We’re hoping to raise awareness about prematurity and birth defects, which are what the March of Dimes is hoping to eliminate,” Hayes said.
The auction will take place at the Ohio University Inn and Conference Center, 331 Richland Ave., from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Student ticket prices are $15.
If You Go:
What: 15th Annual Athens Wine Tasting and Auction
When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Ohio University Inn and Conference Center, 331 Richland Ave.
Admission: $15 for students
sg409809@ohiou.edu
