Wine tasting benefits Haven of Hope

Sparta — Over 75 people recently tasted a variety of different wines selected by Burkes Wine and Liquor at the first Haven of Hope for Kids fund raiser, hosted by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Sparta. As the guests spent the afternoon tasting wines and appetizers, they were also invited to sign up for a silent auction, with prizes donated by local businesses and individuals. The event concluded with a 50/50 raffle drawing and door prizes. Haven of Hope for Kids now has over $2700 more to support their program. Rebecca Patterson of Vernon and her fiancée Daniel Sarno, of Blooming Grove, N.Y., agreed that the afternoon was wonderful. Haven of Hope for Kids is a non-profit organization founded by St. Luke’s Church in Hope. The organization is dedicated to providing country retreats of up to six days for urban families caring for a child battling a life-threatening illness. The organization offers the families ongoing support after their visits with calls, letters, and a reunion picnic each fall. To add your name to the volunteer list or offer a contribution, call Pam Faris, executive director at 908-399-7300 or visit www.havenofhopeforkids.com.