Johnny Damon Uncorked at Wine Benefit for Fallen Officers

ST. PETERSBURG - An unusual benefit to raise money for three St. Petersburg Police officers killed in the line of duty in 2011 will offer ticket-holders the chance to meet baseball star Johnny Damon and taste a 2007 limited edition wine named after the Tampa Rays' new ball player.

Johnny and Michelle Damon have joined Uncork for a Cause, with the release of a very limited 2007 Johnny Damon red wine from Napa Valley, Calif. The couple are the guest hosts for a wine tasting and silent auction from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, at the Vinoy Hotel, in downtown St. Petersburg.

Uncork For A Cause is a collection of businesses, professional athletes and celebrities working together to give back to their communities by supporting local charities and causes.

The wine is named after the marquee outfielder but dedicated to the three officers of the St. Petersburg Police Department who were killed in the line of duty this year: Sgt. Thomas Baitinger, K9 Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz and Patrol Officer David Crawford. Money raised at the benefit will go to a fund to help support the families left behind.

Guests who pay $60 per ticket will sample hors d’oeuvres and  fine wines, as well as get the chance to bid at a silent auction. Tickets are offered for sale on line at the Uncork for a Cause Website.

The Damon-label wine will be offered for sale and include personalized autographs. If you are unable to attend, autographed bottles can be purchased online as well. The autographed 2007 Johnny Damon Reserve Red Wine sells for $75.

In addition, there will be a special gift box for sale featuring three bottles of the Damon wine packaged in a limited edition custom wine box that includes "The WineBat," a personal game model baseball bat stained with "Hill Harvest Red" wine and hand-signed by the player. A very limited number of boxes will be produced and made available to the public.

Advanced tickets to the Viny ecent are required and limited, so you may want to RSVP today!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Vinoy

501 5th Avenue NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Please note, that tickets must be purchased online but will not be mailed to guests. Ticket-holders must check in at the guest table when arriving, with their emailed receipt in hand, which serves as proof of purchase.

For details on Uncork for a Cause's products, services and upcoming events, email info@uncorkforacause.com.