Summer in Lawrence means Salute! Celebrating its 24th year, this weekend-long festival of wine, food and fun is the primary fundraiser for Cottonwood, Inc. This non-profit organization provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proceeds from Salute! are used by Cottonwood in its delivery of quality services and support for persons served, which allow them to shape their own futures and live their best lives.
“Salute! helps us provide support and services,” says Director of Community Relations Ettie Brightwell. “For all of us, it’s a singularity of purpose. From the moment we walk in the door, our focus is lasered on our mission of helping people with disabilities shape their own future.”
CEO Colleen Himmelberg adds, “It’s fundamental to the entire organization, the value of going above and beyond, all for the folks we support. It’s woven through this organization. Staff don’t even think twice about it.”
Standard Beverage Corporation is the presenting sponsor of the Salute! Festival, with the wine dinner and Grand Tasting nights hosted by The Oread Hotel. Many of Cottonwood’s clients help check tickets, hand out gift bags, and display items at the live auction on the festival’s closing night.
Visit salutewinefest.com to order tickets and learn more about the weekend.
Mass St. Mosey
Thursday, July 13th, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy a summer evening stroll down Mass Street while sipping wine or beer. Twelve locations between 6th and 10th Streets will provide a taste of red and/or white wine, plus a food tidbit from a local caterer or restaurant. One spot will have beer for tasting. Tickets are $60 and are limited to 500.
Winemaker Dinner
Friday, July 14th starting at 6:30 p.m. at The Oread Hotel
The evening features an elegant, six-course meal by The Oread’s Executive Chef, Justin Pittenger. Each dish is paired with wines from a single vintner, which this year is Trinchero Family Estates in Napa Valley. Only 125 tickets are sold for the dinner.
The Grand Tasting and Auction
Saturday, July 15th, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Oread Hotel
At this fun closing-night party, guests can sample more than 200 wines, beers or spirits. Ten area restaurants and caterers will also provide samples of their cuisine. Both a silent and live auction feature over-the-top items, including 100-point wines, concert tickets, and autographed sports memorabilia from KU basketball and KC Chiefs players. (Mahomes!) Tickets are $75 and are limited to 500.