The event, emceed by Steve Sobel, will be held on May 10 at the Holiday Inn from 6 to 9 p.m. The fund-raiser will help provide scholarships so more Enfield children can participate in out-of-school time activities.
Steve Sobel will be the master of ceremonies for an upcoming Wine and Beer Tasting Event to benefit the ERfC (Educational Resources for Children Inc.) Scholarship Fund.
ENFIELD - Steve Sobel, of Longmeadow, a nationally recognized educator, author, coach and motivational speaker, will be master of ceremonies and host for the first annual wine and beer tasting event to benefit the Educational Resources for Children Scholarship Fund.
The event will be held on May 10 at the Holiday Inn from 6 to 9 p.m.
"We are delighted to have (Steve) Sobel as our special guest. As a former principal and educator, (he) understands the importance of supporting children and families by providing extended learning opportunities during the school-age years," said executive director Claire Hall. "He will bring entertainment, motivation and his special brand of humor to everyone attending."
Sobel says he is "honored and excited to be master of ceremonies for this special event.
"Children may not be 100 percent of our population, but indeed they are certainly 100 percent of our future."
Educational Resources for Children provides after-school services to children so they can be healthy and productive members of the Enfield community, he added.
Lisa Lillis, treasurer and committee chair of the event, said the fund-raiser will help provide scholarships so more Enfield children can participate in out-of-school time activities.
"Right now, (we) provide a sliding fee schedule to over 80 percent of the children enrolled. There is a long list of kids that can't attend the School-Age Centers because parents cannot afford fees," she added.
In addition to keeping kids safe during after school hours, Lillis said, "(Our) centers provide expanded learning opportunities including academic, enrichment and recreational activities. "As a working parent, I know first-hand how after-school programs help families and the business community."
Area businesses are donating items and gift certificates for the event's silent auction.
Lillis said, "We are so grateful to all the businesses and individuals who are donating and sponsoring this event."
The auction items will include ski lift tickets, rounds of golf for four, museum passes, gift cards to restaurants, and much more.
Entertainment will be provided by professional musicians of Silver & Gold, David and Lisa Wallace, a cello-piano duo. David Wallace is a pianist working as the director of music for the Second Congregational Church of Manchester and the accompanist for the South Windsor Community Chorus. Lisa Wallace is a cellist and teaches at South Windsor High School as an artist-in-residence.
In addition, local comedian Joe Ferolano will entertain guests with a stand-up comedy routine. He has performed at a number of comedy clubs in New York and the Comedy Club in Manchester, Conn.
Joe's Fine Wines and Spirits of South Windsor will provide a variety of wines and beers for guests. In addition, there will be a selection of delicious passed hors d'oeuvres, including mini beef wellington, chicken satay, assorted bruschetta with artisian breads and spreads, spanikopita, and an assortment of cheeses. A pasta and antipasti station, complete with fusilli with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and garlic finished with asiago cheese, will be available. Fresh baked desserts will complement the menu. Non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea will be provided throughout the evening.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.erfc.us or at the agency's office at 50 Post Office Road.. For more information, including sponsorship opportunities and donations, visit the website, email info@erfc.us or call the administration office at (860) 253-9935.