Out & About: Westmoreland Children First sells out Wine and Chocolate Gala
The Westmoreland Children First Wine and Chocolate Gala was a whirlwind world tour, with guests traveling from station to station to sample wines from California, Argentina and Italy.
Carolina and Adam Quatrini dubbed themselves “The Gauchos” as they donned traditional Argentinian-style attire to pour vintages from Carolina’s native Argentina.
Guests also were treated to heavy hors d’oeuvres and, as the event name implies, an array of gourmet chocolates. A basket auction with goods including food, golf and getaway packages, sports memorabilia, more wine and other treats added to the fun.
The event was held Saturday evening at Greensburg Garden & Civic Center.
It was the organization’s first signature gala since 2019, thanks to the pandemic, and a successful one at that. The sold-out soiree raised a record amount for the benefit of children under the care of Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau.
Westmoreland Children First serves as an advisory board to the children’s bureau and supplies needed items such as clothing, beds, diapers and school supplies, along with emergency items and hygiene supplies when children are removed from their homes.
Volunteers with the organization purchase and deliver the needed materials in conjunction with community organizations such as Plato’s Closet, Christian Layman Thrift Shop and private donors.
Among stalwart WCF supporters is the E.C. Cruisers Car Club, which was represented at the event by the club’s public relations officer Tom Steiner, his wife Paula and members Don and Beth Cole.
“Recently we hosted our 28th annual Cruisin to Help the Kids car cruise, with the proceeds supporting the Christmas Fund of Westmoreland Children First,” Steiner said. “We’re really proud of this cruise to help the kids.
“It started out small, but has grown to be our signature car cruise,” he said. “The club hosts four other cruises, but our heart and soul are in the cruise for Westmoreland Children First.”
Steiner presented WCF President Kitty Hricenak with a check for $8,o85, proceeds from the Sept. 18 cruise.
“With the proceeds from this year’s cruise, our total donations over the past 28 years amount to just over $122,000,” he said.
The emcee for the evening was Jennifer Miele.
WCF board members include Patricia Quatrini, Don Graham, Denise Thoma, Kris Feliciani, Carol Zera, Bryan Kline, Bill Bretz, Julia Sacriponte, Judy Rutter, and Dr. Kathleen Daniele.
Out & about at the gala: Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau Executive Director Shara Saveikis with Bob Saveikis, Dr. Jason Cinti, Jim Sacriponte, Dini Pallitto, Barry and Jo Ellen Numerick, Jim and Kathy Longacre, Dino and Andrea Bortoluzzi, Jeff and Judi Black, Mandy Zalich, John and Malinda Sherid, Rebecca Shaheen, Toni Antonucci, Keegan Miller, Austin Johnson, Bob and Susan Reimer, John and Jennifer Murphy, Mark and Jana Luffy, Alan and Jean Easter, Dan and Kathy Statler, Jason and Erin Ware, Maria Garcia and Vick and Tina Hippler.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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