Great wine flows at 'Grape Expectations'

On Friday, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will host its annual fall fundraiser "Grape Expectations" from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Elgin Community College's Fox Valley University and Business Center, 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin.

Known for its fantastic food and wine, "Grape Expectations" is an event that many regular participants look forward to every year.

For $45 per person, participants will enjoy hearty appetizers along with tastings of approximately 30 red and white wines, served by vendors of Top Shelf Liquors in South Elgin.

A silent auction and cash raffle also will be held. Those who wish to bid on the items available at the auction must be present.

"Over the years, 'Grape Expectations' has become our board of directors' signature public fundraising event," said Kathy Matthews, EYSO executive director. "We see many of the same people every year along with those who are attending for the first time. The food and wine is fantastic and we have a lot of fun putting the event together."

Tickets for the cash raffle are $10, or three for $25. There are three cash prizes: first place, $500; second place, $250; and third place, $125. The drawing will take place the evening of the event; winners need not be present.

"Grape Expectations" is being sponsored by the EYSO Board of Directors.

Call (847) 841-7700 to purchase wine tasting and raffle tickets. The EYSO is also looking for volunteers and sponsors for the event; financial or auction donations appreciated.

For details, visit the EYSO Web site at www.eyso.org.

The EYSO, an in-residence ensemble in the ECC Arts Center, is home to five orchestras with nearly 300 students from more than 50 communities. Founded in 1976, its mission is to create a community of young musicians, enriching their lives and the lives of their families, schools, communities and beyond, through the study and performance of excellent music.

This program is partially supported by grants from the Palmer Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Illinois Arts Council, and the JP Morgan Chase Foundation.