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Lifehouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that has provided opportunity and independence to individuals with developmental disabilities through life-skills training, community integration, advocacy, referral and information and they are hosting their celebrated fundraiser in April. The 26th Annual Great Chefs & Wineries gala affair takes place on Saturday, April 16, and is the agency’s major fundraising event, having brought in more than half a million dollars to Lifehouse last year.  Rock legend Huey Lewis is the honorary chair for the event, Insalata’s Chef Heidi Insalata Krahling is the event’s culinary host, and Sid Sall is the wine committee chair. All three are long-time Lifehouse supporters.

 

“We are grateful to have the energy of Huey, Chef Heidi, Sid and Committee Co-Chairs Bea Brydon & Kellan Tucker behind our spectacular culinary event, as well as the enthusiasm of the restaurants, wineries, sponsors, staff members and volunteers who come together to present this special celebration for Lifehouse,” said Nancy Dow Moody, Lifehouse President and CEO.  “Most importantly, we are thankful to our Great Chefs & Wineries guests. Their generosity allows us to continue providing services that enable the people we serve to live independently while enriching our community.”

 

The Bay Area’s very own “Foodie Chap” Liam Mayclem from CBS 5 will emcee Great Chefs & Wineries, an evening gala that will feature culinary delights and fine wines from more than 50 of the Bay Area’s most renowned chefs and wineries, a silent and live auction offering hundreds of alluring trips and gifts, a raffle sponsored by Stephan-Hill Jewelry Designers, a private concert from special musical guest Evolution – The Ultimate Tribute to Journey, and a highly-anticipated musical performance starring Lifehouse clients.

 

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The festivities begin in an outdoor tent where guests will dine on small plates expertly prepared by chefs from more than 25 of the Bay Area’s best restaurants. Guests will enjoy the delectable bites with the accompaniment of tastes from an impressive lineup of more than 25 elite wineries. Other libations include lattes and cappuccinos from Equator Coffee, micro-brewed beer from Moylan’s Brewery and Woodfour Brewing Company, champagne from Roederer Estate, martinis and more.  Following dinner, guests will filter into the elegantly appointed dining room for fine cheese from the Marin Cheese Company and crackers provided by Rustic Bakery, followed by desserts created by Emporio Rulli and Insalata’s while enjoying the evening’s live auction and musical performances. Former Miss San Francisco Jennifer Esperanza will also be on hand to model an exquisite pearl and diamond necklace/earrings set (valued at more than $5,000) to be raffled off at the live auction.

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Reservations for Great Chefs & Wineries are required.  Tickets are $325 per person and table sponsorships start at $3,500.  Tickets are available at www.greatchefsandwineries.org or by calling (415) 526-5300.  All proceeds from the event benefit Lifehouse, one of the Bay Area’s most respected agencies, providing residential and support services to over 250 individuals with developmental disabilities in Marin, Sonoma and San Francisco Counties.

About Lifehouse

Lifehouse began as a parent-led effort in 1954 and is now one of the Bay Area’s most respected agencies, improving the quality of life for its residents and clients by helping each person become as independent as possible. Services include supported living, independent living homes, intermediate care facilities, individual day support services, assessments, information and referrals, affordable housing advocacy, recreation and vacation travel for adult residents, teen recreation integration programs, autism specialists and in-home support for families.  More information about Lifehouse is available at www.lifehouseagency.org.

This event is very important to me, since my sister was handicapped and I know the difficulties that those with disabilities suffer. Please attend! I’ll be there! If you can’t make it–you can always donate! – Teresa

Penny