A One of a Kind Wine & Craft Beer Tasting
On Saturday, March 11, nearly 400 guests attended the 53rd Annual A Grapevine of Friends Wine and Craft Beer Tasting, benefiting Clearbrook's Community Employment Program - providing training and meaningful employment to adults with disabilities. This truly special event, hosted by Clearbrook client ambassadors and volunteers, returned to the newly renovated Westin in Itasca.
Attendees were treated to their choice of 40 different wine tastings from a variety of vineyards. Additionally, guests were also able to sample 10 different craft beer selections, courtesy of Mariano's, and local libations from Aurora's Aspen Lane Winery. Everyone enjoyed bidding on silent auction items and posing at the photo booth provided by Photo Booth of the Stars. Other highlights from the evening included decadent food stations, a live auction, and a chance to win a beautiful pair of a Diamond 1ct. t.w. Halo Stud Earrings from Rogers & Hollands. After the short program and video, guests stayed to dance the night away, courtesy of live music by Hooked on Sonics.
New to this year's event was an exclusive after-party at the Westin Lakeside Pavilion featuring desserts, champagne tastings and live music by Chicago Jazz Musician Guy King. There was something for everyone at the annual Friends event. The energy in the room and the after party was electric.
For information or to volunteer, please contact Hillary Mittelman at (847) 385-5009 or hmittelman@clearbrook.org.
Special thanks to our sponsors and host committee:
Sponsors
Aetna, Aquion, Inc., Amita Health, Baker Tilly, BMO Harris Bank, Canon Solutions America, Cardinal Color Group, Ceres Food Group, Comcast, Fidelitone, Jennings Chevrolet, JonDon Janitorial Services, Korol Cleaning Services, Allen and Janet Lattof, Mariano's, Uline, Inc. and Weber-Stephen Products LLC.
Friends of Clearbrook
DiAnn Baumeister, John Curry, Carleen Emde, Judy Friedman, Mary Ellen Masek, Coca Skok, Amanda Taylor, Sue Viecelli, Gloria Walters, Barb Weiss and Beth Zajczenko
About Clearbrook
Based in Northern Illinois, Clearbrook was founded in 1955 and has since evolved into a recognized leader in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities. Today, Clearbrook creates innovative opportunities for over 8,000 children and adults with
intellectual/developmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy - as well as their families. Clearbrook provides personalized children's, adult day, employment, residential and clinical services at more than 50 locations throughout the Chicagoland-area. In addition, Clearbrook is the largest provider of home-based services in the state of Illinois. Clearbrook employs more than 900 people and proudly reports that 92 percent of every dollar raised goes directly into programs and services. For more information, please visit www.clearbrook.org.