Salt Creek Grille’s Annual Wine & Martini Tasting to Benefit 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc.

FEATURED PHOTO: Left to right: Lynn Lucarelli, 180 Director of Development; Robert Fouratt, 180 Board President & Managing Partner of The Curchin Group; Cindi Westendorf, Program Cooridinator of 180’s Amanda’s Easel Creative Arts Therapy Program; Anna Diaz-White, 180 Executive Director; Robin Fitzmaurice, VP Two River Community Bank (Presenting Sponsor); Rob Habel, Beverage Manager; Steve Bidgood, Co-Owner, Salt Creek Grille; and Mark Shopene, General Manager, Salt Creek Grille. CREDIT: McKay Imaging Photography

The Salt Creek Grille’s 14th Annual Wine & Martini Tasting Fundraiser will benefit 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing services to individuals and their families affected by domestic violence.

This year Salt Creek Grille co-owner and local philanthropist Steve Bidgood’s goal is to reach the $1 million mark of funds raised for local charities with this annual event! Approximately $900,000 has been raised since the event’s inception in 2004.

Salt Creek Grille’s Annual Wine & Martini Tasting Fundraiser will take place on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person and space is limited.

180 Turning Lives Around is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in our community. It has served individuals and families who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence since 1976. The caring staff provides immediate and long-term support in assisting clients with the trauma they have experienced, while supporting them in obtaining services and making decisions that will turn their lives around.

In the state of New Jersey, an act of domestic violence happens every 7.29 minutes and, alarmingly, in 31% of all domestic violence offenses children are involved or present.

“Salt Creek has supported dozens of charities with missions supporting children’s needs,” explained Bidgood. “While 180’s main mission is to help adult victims of domestic violence, they also offer support and shelter to children who are often adversely affected by domestic violence. We commend the work 180 is doing to help victims and their children cope with the trauma that domestic violence causes and we are happy to do our part to support the organization’s work.”

The event is supported by donations from Salt Creek Grille and its vendors and local businesses that provide food, wine and other services. As in past years, several wine vendors will pour over one hundred premium wines to taste and a spirits representative will concoct specialty martinis for guests to sample. Guests are always impressed with the lavish amounts of delicious offerings including hors d’oeuvres, pasta, carving stations, desserts and more by Salt Creek Grille. In addition, local food businesses are represented including an artisanal cheese table donated by Sickles Market, Little Silver, and a raw bar provided by Lusty Lobster, Highlands. The Bobby Boyd Trio entertains the event’s attendees with live jazz music. A lively live auction is held featuring a local DJ entertainer and NJ 101.5’s Big Joe Henry as auctioneer.

To reserve tickets, call 732.264.4360 ext. 4230 or e-mail LynnL@180nj.org. You can also purchase tickets on line by visiting http://180nj.org.