Annual Wine & Martini Tasting to Benefit CASA for Children of Monmouth County

FEATURED PHOTO:(Front row from left) Cynthia Van Brunt, Executive Director; Steve Bidgood, Co-owner Salt Creek Grille; Thomas Sannelli, Board Member; Mark Shopene, General Manager, Salt Creek Grille; Lauren Waldman, Director of Program Services (Back row from left) Randall Paulikens, Board Member; Steven Seneca, Board Member; Nathan Florio, Board Member; Tony Shay, Board Member; Joe Mays, Beverage Manager. | CREDIT: Salt Creek Grill

Salt Creek Grille’s 17th Annual Wine & Martini Tasting Fundraiser benefiting CASA for Children of Monmouth County will be held April 23 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. The chosen 2020 charity was announced recently with a flag presentation. The flag with the charity’s logo will be raised from the landmark restaurant year-round to further public awareness about the charity. The April 23rd fundraising event, which is always a sell-out, features heavy-hors d’oeuvres, serving stations, and more than 100 different wine varieties and several distilled spirits to taste. There is a live auction filled with unique items and music by The Bobby Boyd Trio. 100 percent of the proceeds from the night’s events will go directly to CASA. To date, Salt Creek Grille ‘s annual event has raised more than $1 million in total funds for 16 local charities that serve children’s needs. Tickets to the event are $150 per person and sponsorships are available. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit casaofmonmouth.org.

CASA for Children of Monmouth County serves our county’s most vulnerable children. Volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster homes. The volunteers stay with each case until it is closed, and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused and neglected children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence—the one adult who cares only for them. There are currently more than 400 children in New Jersey placed in foster care homes.

“Seventeen years ago, we created the Salt Creek Grille Annual Wine & Martini Tasting to celebrate our fifth anniversary,” explained Steve Bidgood, co-owner of Salt Creek Grille. “We donate this party to a local charity at no expense to the charity to celebrate, honor, and support the tireless efforts of our community’s volunteers serving children’s needs. We are happy to be able to use our expertise as an event venue to help give local charities a leg up. CASA for Children of Monmouth County acts as an advocate for some of our community’s most precious assets, our children who are neglected and/or abused. We are honored to have CASA as our 2020 charity.”

Once again local businesses are stepping up to help co-owner Steve Bidgood and his staff by donating goods and services, including a scrumptious Artisan Cheeses by Sickles Market, decadent Raw Bar by Lusty Lobster, premiere wines and distilled spirits by local distributors, and prime food products from Salt Creek Grille’s local vendors and suppliers.

“Thanks to Steve Bidgood and the Salt Creek Grille, Rumson, we will continue to make our mission a reality for children in need,” said Cindi Van Brunt, Executive Director of CASA Monmouth County. “Being selected for this event is such an honor and will help our program to ensure the health, safety, and quality of life that all children should have.”

Past charities that benefited from the event: 2019 Impact 100 Jersey Coast; 2018 Covenant House New Jersey 2017 180 Turning Lives Around; 2016 Michael’s Feat; 2015 Kortney Rose Foundation; 2014 Hope For Children Foundation; 2013 Big Brothers Big Sisters; 2012 Count Basie Performing Arts Academy; 2011 Community YMCA; 2010 K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital (Meridian); 2009 Parker Family Health Center; 2008 Kidz Kare (Monmouth Medical Center); 2007 SPUR; 2006 COSAC; 2005 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; 2004 Tuberous Sclerosis.