Staff Reports
It’s time to pour on the fundraising and toast the work of one of the state’s larger nonprofits helping disabled residents.
The 12th annual D-Vine Wine & Beer Festival, featuring 19 vendors, will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at The Commons at 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus. Tickets are $25 if ordered early and $30 at the door.
One vendor is offering food and others are a mix of craft beer specialists or distilleries. At least three of the vendors are new to the event.
“We’re still trying to keep things fresh and mix things up a little bit,” said Tom Harpring, DSI’s communications officer.
Last year’s 21-and-older event attracted 630 people and raised more than $18,000 for Developmental Services Inc., according to the fundraiser’s leaders. A few years before, it attracted 900 people and raised $22,000.
So, clearly, it’s a divine place for sipping and socializing. Some people bring groups of 10 or more people with them to the gathering.
The event originally began as a winter affair at Factory 12 Event Loft with an exclusive focus on wineries. It then moved to the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds before needing the larger space at The Commons. Organizers originally selected a late-winter date because of a seeming shortage of indoor events then.
DSI is a nonprofit agency established in 1975 serving children and adults with disabilities in more than 40 Indiana counties.
It provides early intervention, residential living options, job training and placement, community connections, after-hour activities, computer literacy, cooking classes, health and wellness and more to help individuals live more independently.
All guests will be entitled to free tastings and a commemorative wine or beer glass as well as chances to win door prizes. Guests can also purchase food and opportunities to win 50/50 drawings.
A limited number of VIP tickets are also available for $50 each. VIP guests will be entitled to early admission and tasting (Noon), an arm’s length of 50/ 50 tickets and goody bag.
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What: 12th Annual D-Vine Wine & Beer Fest, featuring 19 vendors of food, craft beer, wine and distilleries.
When: 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
Tickets: $25 in advance at dsiservices.org or $30 at the door. Or $50 for VIP early-entrance ticket.
Information: dsiservices.org
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