Business & Tech
Savory Grape's Wine Festival Raises $20,000 For R.I. Food Bank
This was the event's fifth year.
Surpassing last year’s total of $18,000, wine shop collected a record amount of money for charity at its 5th Annual Fall Wine Festival on Nov. 5. More than $20,000 was raised from the event, all of which will be donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
“The Savory Grape began doing this festival as a way to give back to the community and Rhode Island as a whole,” said owner Jessica Granatiero. “Many children and families suffer and do without food, housing and clothing. As a good corporate citizen we want to do our part to help these families. It gives my partner Nino and I great joy to know our hard work and efforts have made a difference to others.”
More than 275 people attended the festival, which was held for the first time at The Dorrance in Providence (formerly known as The Federal Reserve).
“The atmosphere was historic and elegant,” said Granatiero. “We have always tried to keep the event in East Greenwich or close by, but due to the event's success we needed a space that could accommodate a larger group. This was the perfect venue.”
Patrons sampled 60 highly-rated American and international wines, dined on hors d’oeuvres and listened to live music by The Karn Duo.
One of the highlights of the evening was the live auction. Items up for bid included a two-night stay at the Conn Valley Vineyard House in Napa Valley, a bottle of 2006 Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a bottle of 2005 Keenan Side by Side and a 66-bottle curved wine rack.
A silent auction was also held. Local businesses that donated auction items included: Dave's Marketplace, Ferocious Eyes, Siena Restaurant, Angell Fine Arts, Maxport Transportation, Karma Couture, Scribe, Chocolate Delicacy, Eloquence Jewelers, Bob's Discount Furniture and West Marine.
Following the festival, guests were welcome to enjoy a complimentary dessert sampling at Gracie’s Restaurant in Providence.
Corporate sponsors of the event included: East Greenwich Spine & Sport; Hinckley, Allen & Snyder; Adler, Pollock & Sheehan; Gencorp Insurance Group; Law Offices of James E. Smith; Petteruti Bariatric Medicine; and Braver PC Accountants and Advisors.
It takes a full year to plan the charitable event. The entire staff at The Savory Grape helps out, but taking the lead is Event Director Sabrina Solares-Hand.
“Sabrina’s organizational and planning skills make this event happen,” said Granatiero.
Each year, the beneficiary of the money raised alternates between the Food Bank and the Rhode Island Community Action Association.