Over 500 people had a blast at the 3rd annual Three Blind Wines event held at Jamison Hall on Friday, Feb. 26 hosted by the Next Generation Heritage Foundation. The purpose of the event raised funds to save the Franklin Theatre and support came from attendees from Alabama, Virginia, Kentucky, Fairview, Thompson’s Station, Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro and Nashville. This year’s theme of ‘Red, White, and Repeat’ allowed everyone in attendance to taste a variety of Pinot Grigio and Shiraz.
Two winners walked away with 108 bottles of wine each! The winning team with the the favorite Pinot Grigio was Summer Sheldon, Lindsey Eaton and Valiere Gamble, and the wine was Brassfield Estate Pinot Grigio. Meanwhile Roland Williams, John Baldwin and Mark Poppell brought the winning King Estate Shiraz.
Next Generation board members and Heritage Foundation staff and board all pitched in to make sure the event was memorable. Hats off to Matt Ochab and Shawntell Himes, the perfect co-chairs, who insured the evening was total perfection. Rachel Phillips chaired the Silent Auction and over 70 bid winners enjoyed taking home an extra treat from the evening. Suzanne Jeffers, catering chair, made sure there was a variety of food on the food tables.
With the help of their friends and sponsors, Matt and Shawntell transformed Jamison Hall into an Italianate dream. Guests felt like they were in Tuscany with lovely white lights strung across the ceiling, gorgeous flower centerpieces in urns and vintage wine bottles, and table linens with burlap accents. Wonderful music by Art Four Sale filled the air.
When you wanted a break from all the Shiraz and Pinot Grigio, superb food was served by Chef Chuck, Nobles Dairy Farm, Cabot Creamery, Constant Craving, 2 Chicks & Some Flour, Gulf Pride Seafood, Henpeck Market, Franklin Mercantile and Arrington Vineyards served raspberry truffles with raspberry dessert wine. A brilliant sampling was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Sponsors and their guests enjoying the evening included David Garrett, Jimmy Helton, Jacob Thorington of Cheatham, Palermo & Garrett Law, GreenBank, Aloft Hotel, FedEx/Kinko’s, Fidelity Investments, FranklinIs, Fuson Law, Geny’s Wholesale, Gradient Overlay, Knestrick by Design, Scene/HER/NFocus, SmartWater, Southern Events, Stephanie Marie Photographie, Uniguest, VIP Williamson County Magazine and Yazoo Brewery who provided the beer for the non-wine drinkers.
Event Patrons stepped up and made an additional donation to the event which will include a 2nd party at Aloft Hotel. Patrons are Amy & Joel Simpler, Reynolds Bros., Connie & Carl Haley, Emily Magid, Fuson Law, Healthcare Systems of Tennessee, Heather and Mike Argo, Jade Boruff, KI Furnishing Knowledge, Mike and Dianne Christian, and Sam Dreiling.
Stephanie Dial, president of the Next Generation Heritage Foundation, delighted in recognizing the chairs, sponsors, patrons, volunteers, all board members and staff for a fun filled evening with the end result of giving back to their community and the Franklin Theatre.
To learn more about the Next Generation group and the Heritage Foundation please visit www.historicfranklin.com. Members of the Heritage Foundation and Next Generation are kept informed about fundraisers and the many preservation projects including the Franklin Theatre.
