Wine tasting

May 19, 2007

Wine tasting event to benefit
Marello Youth Retreat Center

By Herald staff

A fund-raiser sponsored by the Oblates of St. Joseph takes on a new theme and format in late June.

With the theme, “Reds, Whites, Jazz and Blues,” the rolling hills of Mount St. Joseph Seminary in Loomis will be transformed in a stylish venue for wine tasting and a silent auction to benefit the Oblates’ Marello Youth Retreat Center.

The event will be held Saturday, June 30 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. and guests will enjoy tastes of red and white wines and a variety of cuisine from area restaurants.

Oblate Father Phil Massetti, rector of Mount St. Joseph Seminary, said this is the seventh consecutive year for a large-scale fund-raising event at the seminary with proceeds going to the youth retreat center.

“The event allows us to bring our friends and neighbors together to celebrate all that we accomplish together for youth,” he said.

The mission-style retreat center offers retreats for youth and young adults, collaborating with youth ministers, teachers and parish directors of religious education to strengthen the spiritual convictions of young people.

The Oblates of St. Joseph, a religious order of priests and brothers founded by St. Joseph Marello, operate the Marello Youth Retreat Center with a mission of ensuring the welfare of youth.

The new event will “showcase the distinctive wineries and restaurants that generously give back to their community in support of youth,” said event organizer Lynette Magnino. “The businesses all share a commitment to reach out and make a difference.”

Among the sponsors of the event to date are Sierra de Montserrat of Westwood Development, a neighboring custom home development, and Pottery World and Docuware, both based in Rocklin.

Jazz music will provide a backdrop to the event, with “Jazz N’ Samba” playing from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and “On Air” performing from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Event organizers encourage “patriotic party attire” for a warm, outdoor setting, Magnino said.

The silent auction will feature a selection of fine art, sports memorabilia, home décor, jewelry, dinners and services.

A dessert bar that will be presented as dancing to the music begins will be sponsored by Divine Desserts in Loomis.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person or $750 for a reserved table of 10 people.

For raffle tickets, invitations or more information, call the Marello Youth Retreat Center at (916) 652-6155.