Sip Your Way into Fall While Supporting a Worthy Cause

by Katelynn Mouton

The more tolerant temperatures of fall are just around the corner and Wine Down, Vino 101, offers the perfect opportunity to settle into the new season while learning more about wine and supporting a great community cause.

The annual event, set for Wednesday, October 4, is the sole fundraiser of the Calcasieu Community Clinic, a nonprofit, free health care clinic located at McNeese State University’s Juliet Hardtner Hall. The event will get underway at 6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of L’Auberge Casino Resort.

“All proceeds from this event stay in Southwest Louisiana and are used to provide health, diagnostic, dental services, vision services and prescription medication,” says Kayla Rigney, Calcasieu Community Clinic Executive Director.

Attendees can expect a wine and food pairing experience, featuring six red wines and six white wines along with tasting-size offerings selected specifically to compliment the paired wine. The pairings, served family-style at tables of eight, will save the best for last, with the final coupling featuring a dessert pairing.

As attendees arrive for the evening, they will received a souvenir tasting glass and champagne.

“They will find a printed tasting guide at each place setting, offering helpful suggestions on additional pairings that can be tried at home,” adds Rigney.

All funds generated from Wine Down, Vino 101 support the Clinic’s mission of improving the well-being of their patients, leading to a healthier, more productive community.

Since its founding in 2001, the Clinic, staffed by volunteer physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists and lay persons, provides once-a-week clinics with services offered to low-income, working uninsured in the five-parish area, including Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Allen and Beauregard Parishes.

Those qualifying for assistance are employed, but earn below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline.

“Eligible persons receive services, which are 100 percent fee-subsidized through money raised at Wine Down, Vino 101,” says Rigney.

Tickets for Wine Down, Vino 101 must be purchased in advance, by September 22 and are $100 each. Tables of eight are available for $800. Multiple sponsorship levels, with varying sponsor benefits are also still available, including the Magnum Level ($10,000), Champagne Level ($5,000), Merlot Level ($2,500) and Chardonnay Level ($1,250).

Attire for the event is business casual and tickets are available for purchase online at www.calcasieucommunityclinic.com/support-us.

To learn more about the Calcasieu Community Clinic, including services available and clinic hours, visit www.calcasieucommunityclinic.com or call (337) 478-8650.