Wine Tasting Draws Record Crowd
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL - On Saturday, February 23, nearly 400 people attended the 49th Annual “A Grapevine of Friends” Wine Tasting, benefitting Clearbrook’s Employment Services Program. The wine tasting extravaganza not only moved to a brand new location, the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg in Schaumburg, but it also featured several new features including a souvenir photo booth complete with silly hats, boas and props.
The evening began as guests swirled and twirled their glasses, sampling 60 different wines, courtesy of Teddy’s Liquors, and visiting the Academy Award Room, new this year, which offered additional samplings of beer from RAM Restaurant and Brewery, champagne and gourmet chocolates from Chocolatines. Between wine flights, guests enjoyed bidding on silent auction items and posing at the photo booth provided by Photo Booth of the Stars. Other highlights included decadent food stations, a reverse auction, and a cash raffle. Finally, guests danced the night away to live music by Hooked On Sonics.
This year’s sponsors included: Alexian Brothers Hospital Network, Aurico, Baker Tilly, BMO Harris Bank, Canon Business Solutions, Cardinal Color Group, Ceres Food Group, Installation Plus, J.C. Restoration, Jennings Chevrolet, JonDon Janitorial Services, Al and Janet Lattof, Mariano’s Fresh Market, Northwest Community Healthcare, Teddy’s Liquors, VinaKom Communications, and Weber-Stephen Products LLC.
“This is an event where you can truly say there is something for everyone. Without a dull moment from start to finish, guests had a blast whether sipping wine, filling their plates with expertly prepared food, or simply conversing with friends,” said Clearbrook President Carl M. La Mell. “The energy in the room was contagious.”
ABOUT CLEARBROOK
Based in Northern Illinois, Clearbrook was founded in 1955 and has since evolved into a recognized leader in the field of developmental disabilities. Today, Clearbrook creates innovative opportunities for approximately 3,300 children and adults with developmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy - as well as their families. Clearbrook provides personalized children’s, day training, employment, residential and clinical services at more than 45 locations throughout the Chicagoland-area. In addition, Clearbrook is the largest provider of in-home services in the state of Illinois. Clearbrook employs more than 800 people and proudly reports that 85 percent of every dollar raised goes directly into programs and services. For more information, please visit clearbrook.org.