Wine and dine for charity

Each time a wine glass is tilted, an hors d'oeuvres tasted or a couple take to the dance floor Saturday at the Carson Nugget it will benefit clients of Carson Advocates for Cancer Care.

The group's 14th annual Winter Wine and All That Jazz is from 7-10 p.m. in the Nugget's Ballroom. Funds raised help provide medical expense assistance to cancer patients.

"In this time of economic crisis, cancer is still doing its thing," said Pat Williams, director of CACC. "It's not going to let up. There are plenty of people who need financial help and that's what we're in existence for."

Williams said there will be 16 wineries, mostly from the California foothills, and a couple from Nevada. The wineries will be bringing a variety of red and white wines.

Accompanying the liquid gold will be hors d'oeuvres and fresh fruit to cleanse the palate and satisfy the appetite of the tasters. Williams said cheese, cold cuts, veggies and dips will be available.

And back by popular demand for live music is the Russ Lindquist Sierra Swing Band, who will performing hits of Glenn Miller and Cole Porter. Miller's hits include "In the Mood," "Stardust," "Serenade in Blue," and "The Nearness of You." Porter's hit songs include, "Night and Day," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)," and "Just One of Those Things."

"If people don't come for the wine, they come for the music and dancing," Williams said. "They've (Russ Lindquist Sierra Swing Band) performed for us for many years. Their music is what the attendees come to expect."

The silent auction includes such things as art by Jill Mueller, inmate art, a Southwest Airlines gift card ($250 value), and a Carson City international dining package, which features The Basil, Ming's, B'Sghetti's, Tito's, Indian Garden and Washoe Flats.

"All donations stay in Carson City, with 90 percent of proceeds going to patient care and medical services," Williams added.

Williams said they raised about $7,000 at the 2008 fundraiser and hope to raise more this year.

"We're shooting for $10,000," he said. "Ticket sales are going in the moderate sale range right now. They are available at Mike's Pharmacy the day of the fundraiser, until he closes, for $30. Otherwise tickets are $35 at the door."

Tickets are also available in advance at Carson Advocates for Cancer Care's Cared-4-Seconds Thrift and Consignment Store at 710 N. Curry St., and Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center, 1535 Medical Parkway.

CACC was founded in 1992 and services residents of Northern Nevada who are uninsured or underinsured. Donations may be sent to: CACC, P.O. Box 3127, Carson City, Nev., 89701. It is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 and certified by the United Way.

- Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

If you go

WHO: Carson Advocates for Cancer Care

WHAT: 14th annual Winter Wine and All That Jazz

WHEN: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

WHERE: Carson Nugget Ballroom, 507 N. Carson St.

COST: $35 at the door; $30 in advance at Mike's Pharmacy, 1007 N. Curry St.; CACC Cared-4-Seconds Thrift/Consignment Store, 710 N. Curry St. or Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center, 1535 Medical Parkway

CALL: 883-7477