Holiday Wine Tasting To Benefit WestConn Student Scholarships

BETHEL — A Holiday Wine Tasting Extravaganza will be held at Western Connecticut State University on Sunday, November 4, from 3 to 7 pm. This third annual event is being held to benefit student scholarships at the University.

This occasion has been tremendously successful in years past, raising approximately $35,000 for university scholarships. More than 300 area residents attended last year, enjoying an afternoon of wine, food, and jazz.

This year’s program will spotlight wines from Italy, France, and Spain. The experience will include more than 125 different wines from around the world.

“The tasting will highlight the traditional wine making regions of the Mediterranean,” according to Jennifer Caraluzzi Dimyan, vice president of Nutmeg Discount Liquors, co-sponsor of the event. “We will also offer food from those regions to compliment the wine selection. Last year we featured wines from Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, which was very popular.”

Nutmeg Discount Liquors, in conjunction with Bethel Food Market, has organized this event as a part of a continuing commitment to the Western Connecticut State University Student Scholarship Fund, a permanent endowment to the university. The Caraluzzi family initially created the fund with a $100,000 gift in 1999. The account has now grown to more than $350,000 with contributions from a state matching program, an additional anonymous gift of $100,000, proceeds from previous wine tastings, and interest. The first scholarships were awarded in June 2001 to two high school seniors attending WCSU this fall.

 “This year’s party makes it clear we are part of a growing tradition. We will continue our format of great food, mellow jazz, and good company. Our goal is to bring as many people as possible to the university to experience the numerous improvements,” said Tony Caraluzzi, Jr, son of Bethel Food Market founder Anthony Caraluzzi. “The endowment fund is now in a position to help students who need tuition assistance. Perhaps this will help someone from the area start their own business one day.”

In August 1999, Bethel Food Market marked its 50th year in business. The family’s goal is to thank the communities that have supported them over the years. They hope their endowment fund encourages other businesses to take an active interest in supporting Western Connecticut State University.

“When you make a donation to a state school, you’re ultimately helping to improve the local quality of life, because many graduates stay in the community,” said Michael T. Driscoll, director of institutional advancement at WestConn. “After graduation, many of our students live and work in the area, which is bound to help local economies.”

The Holiday Wine Tasting will be held at Warner Hall at the University’s Midtown Campus. An abundance of elegant hors d’oeuvres will be donated by Emerald City Café and Wood Dining Service. A student jazz ensemble will provide entertainment.

Donations are $35 and reservations can be made by calling 203-837-8298 before October 29.