Guess the Grape Celebrates Inspiring Service of the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired

ST. LOUIS, MO, October 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) This year's "Guess the Grape" fundraising dinner will celebrate the inspiring work of the nonprofit St. Louis Society of the Blind & Visually Impaired with a gala wine tasting and live auction of premium items valued at more than $8,000.

The popular annual event featuring a champagne reception and flights of different wines with a gourmet dinner, live entertainment and auction of premiums will be Saturday October 20, 2012, at Patty Long's River Bottom Saloon in St. Louis' historic Soulard area.
Sheila Sweeney, chair of the Society Board of Directors, says, "This special evening of fun with great wines, a gourmet meal, luscious desserts, music and dancing will celebrate the extraordinary work of the Society of the Blind & Visually Impaired as it enters its second century of providing meaningful services."

"The Society's tradition of enhancing, empowering and enriching the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired in metro St., Louis is an inspiration," Sweeney asserts. "We are extremely thankful for all who support the Society's work to help children and adults who are blind or visually impaired, and enable us to advance our programs and services," says Ms. Sweeney, adding "This is a cause for celebration!"
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A tropical getaway for six nights in a luxury villa in the U.S. Virgin Islands and a divine, five-course gourmet dinner party for ten people in a Compton Heights manor house, plus a $1,500 gift certificate from the Maplewood Bike Shop, are among the auction premiums at this year's Guess the Grape event. The evening will feature different wines for tasting in a blind format, each paired with a gourmet chef's selection to complement the specific wines being tasted.
Guess the Grape" begins with a champagne reception at 6:30 pm. The evening will feature a sommelier who will "guide" guests through the tasting, followed by a three-course dinner and live music performed by the band "Rhythm of the Nite."

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking "Guess the Grape" in the Quick Links section of the Society's website http://slsbvi.org. An array of "Guess the Grape" sponsorship options to generate recognition for organizations and individuals are available. Patty Long's River Bottom Saloon is a former billiards factory that opened in 1847 and is fully renovated as a party center at 112 Sidney Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63104.

Society President David Ekin says, "2012 marked the Society's entry into our second century of providing programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and their families, in metro St. Louis and southwestern Illinois. 'Guess the Grape' welcomes people in all walks of life to join us for the celebration."

Mr. Ekin adds, "We are very grateful for our many sponsors for their support of this year's 'Guess the Grape" wine tasting dinner. These include Nidec; Bethesda Health Group; AT&T; Northern Trust Eagle Bank; Lighthouse for the Blind of St Louis; The Daniel & Henry Company; Dierbergs; and auction item donations by Nancy Louis and John Diehl, Mark Spurrier and Karl Koesterer."
Founded in 1911, the Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired enhances independence, empowers individuals and enriches the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired including children, adults, and their families. Its caring, qualified staff provides specialized vision rehabilitation, adaptive education, assistive technology and support services.

The not-for-profit Society serves an increasing number of older adults who are newly visually impaired or blind due to age-related eye conditions with home-based services, specialized agency services and community activities. It also renders services to school-age students at school districts in Illinois and Missouri. It is the only agency of its kind serving greater St. Louis, and the second oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi River.

For more information about Society activities and "Guess the Grape" sponsorship opportunities, please see the Society website at http://slsbvi.org/ or call Christy McCutcheon at 314.968.9000. Media relations contact: Jeff Dunlap at 314.993.6925.

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