Gourmet Vineyard Getaway raffle to benefit Springfield Arts Council

The Springfield Arts Council's Gourmet Vineyard Getaway Raffle fundraiser will include a top prize worth more than $1,000 with a trip to a Canton, Ohio vineyard and two other prizes including gift cards to local restaurants and high-end wine. Contributed photo.

The Springfield Arts Council's Gourmet Vineyard Getaway Raffle fundraiser will include a top prize worth more than $1,000 with a trip to a Canton, Ohio vineyard and two other prizes including gift cards to local restaurants and high-end wine. Contributed photo.

The Springfield Arts Council wants to pop the cork on a new year by offering the chance to get away or to stay around to enjoy area offerings all while helping a summer tradition.

The Gourmet Vineyard Getaway Raffle will serve up a grand prize worth more than $1,000 to the top bidder, with second and third prizes highlighted by a combination of two Springfield restaurants and fine wine.

Tickets are for sale through Jan. 21 and cost $25 each or five for $100.

The COVID-19 pandemic scratched the Arts Council’s annual wine tasting fundraiser in November, and this raffle represents a taste of that, so to speak.

“We wanted something that encapsulated our wine tasting that is fun for wine lovers and a way to win a great prize to help the Summer Arts Festival and our other programs,” said Arts Council development director Sarah McPherson.

The grand prize is a two week-night getaway to the Gervasi Vineyard in Canton that will include a casa or villa guest suite; two $100 certificate books redeemable for on-site restaurants and an off-site restaurant; vouchers for the wine and gift boutique; and a $250 VISA gift card.

Second prize is a $75 gift card to Stella Bleu Bistro, a set of specialty wine glasses and a premium bottle of Opus One Wine. Third prize is a $75 gift card to Ridgewood Café, a set of specialty wine glasses and a premium bottle of Opus One Wine.

Arts Council executive committee president Greg Rogers said the wine itself can cost between $300-400.

The winning bids will be announced live on Jan. 21 at COHatch through a video post available on Arts Council pages.

The pandemic has seen the Arts Council suffer a decrease in budget, which has led to having to think creatively about events to fundraise, leading to this, and the staff is grateful for the sponsor support.

“I think it’s important to keep us in mind,” McPherson said. “We appreciate all our supporters and hope we will come back strong in 2021.”

Rogers emphasized that to keep the Summer Arts Festival admission-free, this type of support is key.

“We’re disappointed we can’t have more live events at this time but we’re trying to keep that momentum going and do some things better than ever when we can,” he said.

To purchase raffle tickets, call McPherson at 937-324-2712, ext. 2 or for more information, go to the Arts Council’s website.

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