It isn't even necessary to appreciate wine to have a good time at the A-K Pulser's benefit wine fest Saturday at Laube Hall, Freeport.
This is considerably more than a singular event, says its organizer, Jeff Polana, director of Pre-Hospital Operations for Alle-Kiski Medical Center.
The sixth annual Spring Wine, Cheese and Pasta Festival is designed to, literally, satisfy a variety of tastes.
"We find that people are ready to come out of their hibernation from the winter and socialize and enjoy an evening of good wine and good food," Polana says. "People tell us it gets better each year, and everyone finds it very inviting and says they would not miss it. I'm asked for the next year's date even before the evening is over."
More than 20 local and international wines are to be available for tasting, including those from Winfield in Cabot, Windgate in Smicksburg, Montgomery in Rural Valley, and Pine Creek Underground Winery, Templeton. There will be carving and pasta stations, imported cheeses, meats and a fruit medley, plus gift baskets and a Chinese auction.
While live music has been tried in the past, Polana believes simply playing recordings of light piano music is more conducive to conversation and fellowship.
A record 345 people attended last year as the festival continues to grow. "It has exceeded our expectations," he says.
"Groups as large as 25 have already contacted us this year," Polana says. Reservations are not necessary, but tickets can be purchased in advance.
For wine lovers, this is an opportunity to broaden tastes. "You might discover a new favorite wine to serve the next time you host a dinner," he says. "Often, people stick with the same wine they are used to, so this will allow people to try various wines."
The event raises money for the paramedic response unit (A-K Pulser). "This year, we are putting our focus on replacing aging equipment, making sure we have the best equipment to treat our patients in the Alle-Kiski Valley," he says.
A-K Pulser was formed 22 years ago because there was a paramedic shortage. Polana likens the unit to "a paramedic on wheels that meets the ambulance on the scene to provide advance life support."
It serves 35 communities in the four corner areas of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler and Westmoreland counties, assisting in nearly 2,000 responses annually. "Our belief is that through our rapid response and aggressive treatment, we will provide better patient care, and shorter hospital visits," Polana says.
The nonprofit organization is funded by third-party insurance payments received through the patient care it provides, as well as its two major fundraisers, the spring wine festival and late-summer golf outing. "We are also open to generous gifts from the public sector," Polana says.
Additional Information:Festival will benefit A-K Pulsar
What: Spring Wine, Cheese and Pasta Festival, A-K Pulser benefitWhen : 6-10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Laube Hall, Freeport Community Park, Freeport
Admission: $25
Details: 724-226-7041
