Neighbor News
The Arc of Essex County's Third Annual Uncorked and Uncapped Event Sets New Records
300 attendees sampled fares from 40 vendors during largest Uncorked & Uncapped to date
Livingston, N.J., October 12, 2016 – The Arc of Essex County hosted its third annual Uncorked & Uncapped: Wine, Beer, and Food Fest on Thursday, September 29 at the Westminster Hotel in Livingston, NJ. The funds raised will directly support The Arc’s programs and services that assist children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Essex County. More than 300 attendees enjoyed an evening featuring a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, awards ceremony, and capped off with fine wine, craft beer, spirits, and restaurant samplings from 40 local establishments.
The Arc honored the individuals and groups who have been integral to the agency’s success, including:
· Corporate Partner Award: Embassy Suites of Parsippany
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· Public Partner Award: John Duthie, Mayor of Roseland
· Community Partner Award: Rotary Club of Livingston
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· Lifetime Achievement Award: Herb Lev (of Verona), past president, committee chair, trustee, and member at large on the Board of Directors for The Arc of Essex County.
The night proved to be one for the record books, with the highest attendance rate in the event’s history, for both guests and vendors. The samplings were also some of the most culturally diverse in recent years, featuring Italian, Mexican, Portuguese, and Jamaican fare, along with American comfort foods. Attendees silently bid on a variety of auction items, such as a Disney vacation, round-trip airfare, and a wine and cheese party for 12 with limo service.
“It’s amazing to see how much this event has grown in just three years,” said Brian Lowe, a resident of Springfield and returning attendee. “In addition to being tasty, the Baileys liquid nitrogen ice cream from 321chillz added a really cool visual to the event. I also enjoyed the dishes from new vendors like the crispy carrot risotto balls from Piattino Summit.”
Other attendee highlights included the buffalo chicken eggrolls from Verona Inn, Dogfish Head craft beer, and international wine selections from Familia Martinez Bujanda of Winebow distributors.
“We are so thankful to be able to recognize the sponsors and honorees that allow us to continue our mission,” said Linda Lucas, Chief Executive Officer for The Arc of Essex County. “Their contributions and hard work make an enormous difference in the lives of the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that we serve.”
The entire event could not have been possible without the help of our sponsors: PwC, Oratory Prep, TD Bank, Bird Pharma Consulting, LLC, Primepoint, LLC, Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP, and PSE&G.
To view photos from the event, click here. For additional information or to participate in the 2017 Uncorked & Uncapped: Wine, Beer, and Food Fest, contact Heather Comstock at (973) 535-1181 ext. 1224 or hcomstock@arcessex.org.
About The Arc of Essex County:
The Arc of Essex County is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in every level of our society and enjoy fuller, more independent lives. Founded in 1948, The Arc of Essex County provides a wide variety of programs and services that support nearly 1,500 people throughout Essex County from birth to their senior years. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.arcessex.org.
