On Tap: Two “Nites” of Fun for a Good Cause

Food. Music. Wine. Beer. Art. Friends. It’s a good week to be in Meriden.

This Thursday and Friday evenings, Meriden’s Courthouse Plaza will come alive with two city fundraisers. Known as Nites in the City and now in its 12th year, this annual event raises money for city nonprofit organizations.

Nites in the City takes place rain or shine. Bad weather simply moves the festivities into the Meriden Senior Center. Participants must be 21 or older. Tickets for both events are available in advance for $20 (see details below) or at the “door” for $25.

Main and Vine: Harvest Wine Tasting, Thursday, September 29, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The two-day festivities kick off Thursday evening with the Main and Vine Wine Tasting event featuring more than 30 varieties of wine provided by Meriden’s Valencia Liquors. Guests will sample wines from as far away as Australia and as close as Meriden’s own Silver City Merlot. (Some beers will also be available.)

As guests feast on a buffet provided by ShopRite, they can also feast their eyes on original works by local artists (available for sale) and their ears on musical entertainment. Each guest receives a complimentary glass of wine.

Proceeds from the wine tasting support various nonprofit agencies around the city. Any Meriden nonprofit that wants to participate can purchase tickets from the city for $5 and sell them to the public for $20 or $25, keeping the profit. According to Michele Bordeau, Executive Director of Girls Inc. and one of the event organizers, about 700 tickets have been sold so far. Advance tickets are available for $20 from numerous nonprofit agencies in Meriden, as well as from Valencia Liquors at 1231 1/2 East Main Street.

“I think this is a great community event,” says Bordeau. “It brings together folks from a variety of community organizations and gives people a chance to see old friends.”

Silver City Brewfest, Friday, September 30, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

While Thursday's Wine Tasting raises money for a variety of agencies, Friday night’s Brewfest benefits a single nonprofit organization. This year’s proceeds will go to St. Joseph School’s technology program.

“Our goal is $20,000,” reports St. Joseph Advancement Director Joanne Scotto. The money will buy 25 to 30 new computers for the school’s computer lab, Scotto told Patch. If enough money is raised, printers and other accessories may also be purchased, she added.

Each year a different organization is chosen to benefit from the fundraiser. That organization agrees to work the event for three years. In year one, it provides volunteers and learns the ropes. In year two, the organization takes the reins and runs the event—arranging for sponsors, providing T-shirts, etc.—and reaps the benefits. In the final year, the organization serves as an advisor to the newly chosen nonprofit.

Last year’s Brewfest beneficiary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, took in about $14,000 from the event. The school used the funds to purchase 30 iPads for its eighth graders.

While helping St. Joseph School, Brewfest guests can sample from among 25 international beers and microbrews, as well as wines, pumpkin-flavored beers and hard ciders provided by Valencia Liquors. Besides the potent potables, the event also features:

• Live music by the Gonkus Brothers (Daffodil Festival regulars), as well as a DJ from 102.9 WDRC-FM.
• The third annual Taste of Meriden, with cuisine from 11 Meriden restaurants: The Arc Eatery, Avanti’s, Cafe Dolce, Czapiga’s, Gianni’s, Old San Juan, Rosie’s Café, Ryder’s on Main, Sheraton Four Points, Silver City Sports Bar and Grille and Spoonshoppe Brooke.
• Meriden’s first (and hopefully annual) Silver City Pizza Pie Contest, judged by Mayor Mike Rohde and some folks from St. Joe’s. Participating pizzerias include Charlie’s, Domino’s, Empire, Family Pizza, Hubbard Park and Illiano’s. Categories include most unique, best traditional and best overall.
• And if that's not enough food for you, free hot dogs and hamburgers will be available, too!

Advance tickets are available for $20 from St. Joseph School. You may stop by, call the school at (203) 237-6800, email advancement@sjs-meriden.org or visit the school’s website: www.sjs-meriden.org.