By Anna Gerber
World-class chefs, delicious wines and top-notch entertainment: these are just three reasons to attend “A Celebration of Wine, Food and Dining With the Stars,” hosted by Spagio European and Pacific Rim Cuisine and Spagio Cellars on Feb. 23.
But if you need a fourth reason, consider you’ll be helping a worthwhile cause. The 12th annual fundraiser will benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care Program through Pleasure Guild, a women’s organization committed to raising funds for the hospital.
“The great thing about this event is that it’s very unusual for Columbus,” says Katelyn Burkholder, assistant director of Annual Giving for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “It’s a very unique setup.”
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., guests will meander through Spagio while tasting premier wines and gourmet cuisine, listening to live music and participating in both a silent and live auction.
For the event, which is black tie-optional, world-renowned chefs from around the country will join local chefs in showcasing their best-known dishes. Each chef will have their own booth for guests to visit.
“It’s fun to have chefs from here, and have chefs that are bringing new ideas from other places,” says Nicole Dinsmoor, controller at Spagio. “Everything from appetizers to desserts (will be served). It’s always very creative.”
Last year, several chefs were flown in from Chicago and Dallas to join chefs from Cincinnati and Columbus. They prepared their dishes while guests watched. They can also meet the chefs as they prepare their dishes. Wine distributors from premier vineyards will set up their own tasting stations, as well.
“A lot of our customers go to Texas, Chicago and different places to travel. It’ s fun to go different places and to say, ‘So-and-so was at Spagio when I went,’” says Dinsmoor.
As for entertainment, the fundraiser will include live music, a master of ceremonies, both a silent and a live auction and a raffle. Funds raised from the auctions, combined with those from ticket sales, will be donated to Pleasure Guild.
The Pleasure Guild of Nationwide Children’s Hospital is comprised of women from all walks of life. The group dates back to 1908. Women who participate in the Pleasure Guild agree to a 3-year commitment to the organization. Annually, Pleasure Guild members volunteer more than 2,000 hours. The group also puts on an annual play (which is its primary fundraiser) in March at the Palace Theatre and runs a Safety Awareness For Everyone (SAFE) program, which teaches preschoolers about basic safety and injury prevention.
To date, the Pleasure Guild has raised more than $3 million, including more than $255,000 just last year. At last year’s Spagio fundraiser (which was the Pleasure Guild’s fourth year with the event), organizers raised more than $80,000.
“We have had a lot of great response from the community in years past,” Burkholder says.
Anna Gerber is a contributing writer for Upper Arlington Magazine.
IF YOU GO…
Spagio European and Pacific Rim Cuisine and Spagio Cellars are located at 1295 Grandview Ave. Dinner tickets for the event are $225 per person or $3,500 for a corporate sponsorship, which includes a table for 10 people and advertisement in all event materials. To purchase tickets, contact Nicole Dinsmoor at 614-486-1114. For more information, visit www.nationwidechildrens.org/pleasureguild.