Wine tasting and smooth jazz combine to fight MS

Last Updated on Thursday, October 11, 2012 01:15 pm Written by STAFF REPORT Thursday, October 04, 2012 02:28 pm

SOMERS POINT  - An unforgettable evening of wine and jazz will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as Passion Vines Wine and Spirit Co. and the Somers Point Jazz Society blend their efforts and present “The Right Notes” at Greate Bay Country Club from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11.

Michael Bray, the owner and operator of Passion Vines has long held a commitment to helping find a cure for MS. His mother Jayne is wheelchair-bound due to the disease.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, someone is diagnosed with MS every hour in the United States. MS is a progressive and debilitating disease of the central nervous system.

"MS has been our charitable drive and focus at Passion Vines since 2004. We are passionate about hosting this event and finding a cure for this disease," Bray explained.

Nick Regine, President of the Somers Point Jazz Society, also struggles with the crippling disease.

“This event demonstrates how a passionate private business and a non-profit organization can join forces to support an important cause,” Regine said.

Tenor saxophone master Michael Pedicin and his quartet will start off the evening’s events. Pedicin has toured with jazz greats Maynard Ferguson, Dave Brubeck, Stanley Clarke and Pat Martino. Following the performance, Passion Vines will offer a comprehensive wine tasting with more than 75 top scoring wines from around the globe including world renowned producers Cakebread Cellars, Caymus Vineyards and Nickel & Nickel – plus a rare taste of Chateau Beychevelle Saint Julien 1989 and Cos D' Estournel Saint Estephe 1970.

Butlered hors d'oeuvres by Greate Bay and artisanal cheese pairings by Di Bruno Bros will also be served; and a live auction including VIP wine trip to Italy and more add to the evening’s festivities.

Over the past eight years, Passion Vines has raised more than $20,000 for the National MS Society, and The Right Notes is one of their most exciting fundraiser events to date.

Tickets are $75 per person and limited to the first 200. To purchase tickets or for more information and/or support opportunities, call Kristin Marnie at (215) 271-1500, or visit www.passionvines.com.