2021/2022 Vine And Dine Co-Chairs Kara Sewell and Kimber Westphall weren’t going to let the pandemic restrictions and February’s ice story prevent them from holding their Ability Connection fundraiser. So, they just moved their “A Night In Napa” to Thursday, April 14. But instead of heading west to California’s Napa Valley, they brought Napa to The Hall on Dragon complete with wineglasses decorated by Ability Connection clients, dining, wining, a virtual karaoke and an interview with Ability Connection client Annemarie Carrigan. Here’s a report from the field:
The February ice storm forced the organizers of the Vine and Dine event, benefiting Ability Connection, to reschedule the “A Night In Napa” event to the evening of Thursday, April 14, at The Hall on Dragon in the Design District. More than 300 guests gathered at the newly removed facility which has been completed updated with bright white contemporary look.
Co-Chairs Kara Sewell and Kimber Westphall hosted the evening that included a generous sampling of wines from Napa Valley, buffet dinner, live auction and a touching interview with Ability Connection client Annemarie Carrigan.
After a welcome and introduction by Ability Connection CEO Jim Hanophy, WFAA Daybreak anchor Kara’s interview with Annemarie revealed that the Highland Park High School and University of Central Michigan’s Thrive Program, is using her life experiences as a woman with Down syndrome to work for inclusion in social, educational and career opportunities for people with all types of “abilities and disabilities.”
Among the guests enjoying the vino and ogling the wineglasses for sale painted by Ability Connection clients were Debbie and Jim Francis along with their son Jimmy Francis and his wife Cheri, sponsors Teresa and Bob Cavanaugh and Meredith and Jack Woodworth.
* Photo credit: Terry Van Willson