Fine wine and cheese event to benefit local non-profit

The New Leaf Market Co-op will host its annual “Evening of Fine Wine and Cheese” benefit tonight. The money raised will go to the Tallahassee Animal Shelter Foundation.

Cristin Burns, marketing and project manager for New Leaf Market said each benefit is aimed at helping a different non-profit in Tallahassee.

“As a co-op, we’re here to serve all of Tallahassee,” Burns said. “And for a lot of people, pets are a part of their family.”

The Animal Shelter Foundation consists of volunteers dedicated to helping homeless animals in Tallahassee. The foundation works to find homes for animals, advocates for the humane treatment of animals and assists in community-wide spay and neuter efforts to decrease the amount of homeless animals.

Michael Davino, president of the Animal Shelter Foundation, is grateful to receive outside support.

“I appreciate New Leaf Market for recognizing this cause and choosing the foundation to receive the proceeds this year,” Davino said.

Tickets for the benefit are $15 each and can be purchased at New Leaf or online. Guests will be able to taste more than 25 different wines from around the world and a variety of gourmet cheeses made locally. The benefit will also be offering hors d’oeuvres.

Billy Lunsford, assistant manager for the specialty department at New Leaf Market, explained the mutual benefits of having these events.

“The benefit allows us to fulfill our goal to help our community,” Lunsford said. “It also allows us to showcase all the fine wine we have and offers a taste of the many things the deli makes.”

Attendees will also receive a wine glass and $5 off wine or cheese purchased at the event.

Burns encourages people to buy tickets early, as only 120 tickets will be sold.

Guests must bring a picture ID to drink wine at the benefit, which is from 7-9 p.m. at New Leaf Market, located at 1235 Apalachee Parkway.