Festival, spring shine light on St. Luke’s

E ach year, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute transforms from a place of healing and rehabilitation into an elegant location for one of the loveliest social events in the area.

The Festival of Wine and Flowers, a fundraiser for both the institute and Team St. Luke’s, an adaptive sports program for children and young adults with physical disabilities, combines spring blooms, fine wines and a crowd of physicians, local business leaders, volunteers and community members. This year’s party was exceptional.

The area’s most prestigious wineries, including locals such as Lone Canary, Mountain Dome and Robert Karl, poured their best into souvenir Riedel glasses decorated with charms made by Team St. Luke’s members. Buffet stations, decorated with tall silver vases filled with flowers, featured the menu of Chef Mike Lindsey of Peppers Catering and the St. Luke’s Culinary Team. More than 250 guests nibbled on roasted lemon garlic prawns, eggplant Caponata and apple cider cured smoked salmon. Truffles and mini cupcakes made the final flourish.

From the red-carpet entrance to the wine bottle ring toss game to the rousing auction of premier wines, the evening was fun and beneficial. It was an elegant – and timely – way to usher in spring.