New features for Farragut Rotary wine f’raiser Nov. 9

Rotary Club of Farragut has new features in store with its 18th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser — a live auction and a new menu.

This year’s event is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 9, on the second floor of SouthEast Bank next to Renaissance | Farragut, 12700 Kingston Pike.

“It’s going great,” RCF event coordinator Megan Belcher said. “We’ve gotten a lot of support from the club, and it’s going to be a great event.

“One exciting thing is that Yvonne Key (who is overseeing the auction) is lining up a live auctioneer, who’s going to auction off five of our items,” she added.

The live auction will be an addition to the event’s silent auction. “We will probably have 50 silent auction items,” Belcher said. “I think (the live auction is) going to be fun addition.

“We’re hoping to sell 130 tickets, and we’re currently at 100,” she added after RCF’s meeting Wednesday, Oct. 17.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $65 per person, but she said advanced ticket purchase is suggested.

To purchase a ticket, e-mail Belcher at meganbelcher@ucbi.com

Also, the menu will be different from last year.

“Candace (Viox, owner of Water Into Wine bistro & lounge, which is catering the fundraiser) is going to do more dinner items,” Belcher said.

Those attending will find on the menu artichoke-stuffed mushrooms, a large cheese and charcuterie board, Southern-style meatloaf with boursin-whipped potatoes, haricots-vents green bean beurre blanc, chicken coq au vin with a burgundy demi-glaze, roasted Brussles sprouts, spinach and squash lasagna with fresh mozzarella and béchamel sauce.

One aspect of the event that has not changed is the generosity of RCF members. Sam Taylor II of Dixie Lee Wines & Liquors Inc., and Sam Mishu, partner/owner and staff president of M & M Development Company, have stepped up to donate the wines and food respectively so all the proceeds go to support the club’s charities and projects, she said.

“They’re priceless; they are amazing men,” Belcher said. “I think if they could give anonymously, the would. They both just have hearts of gold. It’s a tremendous thing they do for the club every year,” she added.

This is Belcher’s third year working on the event.

“I’ve been helping (Dr.) Stephanie (Myers, event chair),” she said. “She’s had to take on more responsibilities with her office, so she’s taking a back seat. She’s supporting me this year and helping a lot.

“It’s a pretty well-oiled machine,” Belcher added.