First Akron Wine Opener successful for CF Foundation
 
DOWNTOWN AKRON — In its first year, the Akron Wine Opener drew almost 300 people to the atrium of Akron Children’s Hospital’s William H. Considine Professional Building March 31.
The evening, which featured wine tastings and fine food, raised approximately $300,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation, according to Suzanne Zak, director of special events for the Rainbow Chapter of the CF Foundation. The proceeds will help the CF Foundation with its mission of developing a means to cure and better control CF and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease, which causes the body to produce a thick, sticky mucus which impairs digestion and leads to life-threatening lung infections.
Shown below right, from left, Linda Kenyon, of Cuyahoga Falls, and Julie Cowling, of West Akron, enjoy the ample food and wine available.
The event, sponsored by The Foresters, offered food from various local restaurants, including Fuel Lounge, Jacob Good Downtown, Mustard Seed Market and Café, The Double Olive, Two Amigos, Bistro on Main, Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern, Muddy Waters Café, The Galaxy Restaurant, Vue and World’s Fare Culinary. Sponsor TLC Wine & Liquor, of Kent, provided the wines, both domestic and international varieties.
Shown above right, from left, Sally Ohle, owner of Summit Croissants, serves a chocolate-filled croissant to event executive committee member Ann Marie Mickel.
Silent and live auctions also took place throughout the evening, as well as a raffle, which included a .96 karat diamond pear-shaped necklace.
Shown above left, Zak, right, and diamond necklace winner Charity Ewanko, of Lakewood, admire the necklace.
—By Kathleen Collins
Photos: Ken Crisafi
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