Thursday evening at Four Seasons Nursery promises to be a memorable one.
Platters of appetizers and desserts will roll in and local restaurants will offer their finest during the 16th annual A Taste of the Seasons, this year being held on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m.
More than 20 food and wine vendors are expected to take part in this year’s event.
Hosted by Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery in partnership with West Slope Liquors, The Cortez Journal, and KRTZ 98.7FM/KISS 97.9FM, and KSJD, this year’s sponsors include Four Corners Community Bank and many other area merchants and restaurants whose contributions to the event help make it successful.
For 15 years, A Taste of the Seasons has tried to help children in Montezuma County, donating more than $150,000 to programs including the Dolores Clubhouse for Youth, Helping Hands House, Dolores Public Library and the United Way of Southwest Colorado.
The funds raised from the event go to the children-based programs of the 18 local agencies supported by United Way. Last year, $18,000 was raised for children in need in Montezuma and Dolores counties. Some of the United Way agencies benefiting from last year’s A Taste of the Seasons included the Southwest Open School, Piñon Project, Community Connections, Four Corners Child Advocacy Center and Renew. Recipients this year will include Medicine Horse Center and The Bridge Emergency Shelter.
A Taste of the Seasons 2014 will feature a wide selection of wines to sample including some from Guy Drew Vineyards and from wineries elsewhere in Colorado and other regions. Beer, soft drinks and coffee also will be available.
To accompany the wine tasting, fine food and desserts will be presented by area restaurants, including Shiloh’s, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Stonefish, Main Street Brewery and Kuchu’s.
“We’ve got an exciting lineup of participating restaurants, and you’ll be able to sample from among the best in the area,” said event coordinator Gail Vanik.
“We are so thankful to the restaurants and chefs in town who have really gotten behind this event, and it’s a wonderful way to sample the best of what Cortez has to offer in the way of culinary masterpieces,” said Vanik. “We surely could not do this without them.”
Vanik plans a special surprise for each guest this year.
“It is guaranteed to delight them and make them say ‘Wow!’” she said.
President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado Lynn Urban said, “Taste of the Seasons is such an important event for United Way. Typically the proceeds from the event equal about 15 to 20 percent of our annual fundraising goal. These contributions help us to continue so many critical services for the kids in the area. Investing in the kids in our community creates a brighter future for them and for all of us. These funds help them to achieve success in education, good health, and the ability to be self-sufficient when they grow up. Please come join the spirit of the evening and help the community at the same time!”
The silent auction continues to be a focus and a favorite of the event. Each year has brought forth new and fun items, and this year is no exception. This year, we will have art objects by some new artists as well as offerings from community favorites. “The silent auction is a great way to begin, or finish, your Christmas shopping while supporting not only a worthy local cause, but also supporting your local merchants as well as some of the local agencies which serve the children in our community,” said Vanik.
Tickets are $35 per person and are available at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery, West Slope Liquors in Cortez, Four Corners Community Bank and from United Way agencies. Guests over age 21 only, please.
For more information about “A Taste of the Seasons” please call Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery at 565-8274 or Bruce Johnson of United Way at 882-2635.
