The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation held its annual wine and food tasting on March 29 to raise funds for pediatric cancer care while offering donors some of the finest local food and alcohol.
Local and national vendors set up tables with samples of their high-end wines, bourbons, tequilas and even pre-mixed cocktails. A designer bag silent auction was set up, along with a handmade cake in the shape of a Chanel bag.
This year’s fundraiser was heavily attended by the community, something for which foundation president and co-founder Gisele DiNatale expressed extreme gratitude. The event was held at the Mansion on Main Street, and DiNatale joked that she actually hoped the fundraiser would be on the second floor of the venue. But given the big turnout, it had to move one floor up.
”In the one room where we were supposed to be, the chandelier is a rose,’’ she added, “but we grew out of it because we are just so big now.”
The year’s Harvest Sponsor for the fundraiser was the WSFS Bank Cares Foundation. Vineyard sponsors were PSE&G, Archer Attorneys at Law, Atlantic City Electric and M&T Bank Wilmington Trust.
DiNatale also thanked annual champions’ Bob and Donna Platzer, Virtua Health, Environmental Resolutions, Associates in Hearing Healthcare, and Holman.
“(From our first year) to now, where we are is pretty remarkable,” said DiNatale, who started the foundation to honor her daughter Alicia, who died of cancer in 2002. “I also want to give a very very special thanks to Cheers Wine and Spirits on Route 73 in Voorhees, who once again did an outstanding job with over 100 selections, probably closer to 200.”
All proceeds from the event will benefit teens fighting cancer. The foundation’s work includes lounges around the country designed as special places for hospitalized teens to spend time during treatment.
The foundation also does art projects; makes personalized bandanas and pillows; and holds events for teens like movie nights and proms, all creative in-hospital social activities. To support the foundation and its projects, visit www.victoriousfoundation.org. The organization also offers donations in the name of loved ones; volunteer opportunities; and events, all in Alicia’s name.
