For 21 years, the d’Vine Affair has been key to helping Catholic Charities operate its self-sufficiency programs in Cook and Lake Counties. The tradition continued on February 26, 2022, as 115 attendees gathered virtually for the second year in a row to experience exceptional wine and beer while raising essential funds to support the 100-year-old organization.
12-time Emmy award winning sportscaster and podcast host Peggy Kusinski was the evening’s mistress of ceremonies. Kusinski’s appreciation of fine wine set the stage for her as an ideal emcee, as she informed the audience she spent the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic achieving her level one sommelier certificate.
Erin Reardon Cohn and Joe Glunz, Jr. co-chaired the event, which included a series of wine tastings led by Tim Bell from Dry Creek Vineyard, Alastair Rimmer of DeMorgenzon, and Matthew Glunz and Stephan Glunz from Glunz Family Winery and Cellars. Eric Kobus of Louis Glunz Imports led the beer tasting segment of the evening.
More than $88,000 was raised during the event and throughout the month of February, which will be used to fund Catholic Charities’ independence programs. Linda Bock, a single mom of two kids and a program participant, shared her story of how that program has enabled her to secure employment, a place to live, and extras such as holiday gifts for her family as well as counseling for her anxiety struggles. Three years later, Bock gives back what she can to the organization.
Along with virtual wine and beer tastings, the event feature a silent auction including packages from Chicago’s favorite sports teams: the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Cubs. The event’s popular ‘Stock Your Wine Cellar’ raffle offered opportunities to win cases and bottles of wine. Event sponsors included First Bank Chicago, Jones & Cleary Roofing, Louis Glunz Wines, Louis Glunz Beers, Inc., Zin Chicago and Rose Pest Solutions.
In the 21 years since d’Vine Affair began, it has raised $2.8 million and featured 300 wines from around the globe.
“Catholic Charities fulfills the church’s role and the mission of charity to anyone in need by providing the compassionate, competent and professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities based on the value and dignity of human life,” said Kunsinki. “It is guided by these four values: respect, compassion, competence and stewardship.”
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Donna Berry Glass is a freelance writer in Marin County who writes mostly about family and kid-oriented topics. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family exploring the natural beauty of Marin, snuggling with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel while reading a good book or whipping up something delicious in her space-challenged kitchen. Donna is a supporter of the California Academy of Sciences, a world class science museum and research institution, and the Institute on Aging which provides much needed services to seniors and disabled individuals.
