Super Sampling Returns To Bell Works With 500+ Bottles To Help Cancer Patients

One of the area's biggest tasting events is back this month, and every pour supports local families facing cancer.

The 19th Annual Super Sampling will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at Bell Works in Holmdel, featuring more than 500 wines, spirits, and beers to sample, along with gourmet food, music, and entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Sarala Bathena Foundation's Patient Assistance Fund, which works with Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center to provide financial help to oncology patients and their families.

About 2.2 million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year, and many face mounting financial strain on top of the emotional toll of treatment. The foundation's goal is to make sure no family has to carry that burden alone.

A Mission Rooted In Family

The foundation is named for Sarala Bathena, who was diagnosed with late-stage renal carcinoma in the summer of 2003. She died in 2006, two days before her 46th birthday. Her family began raising money in her honor the following year, and the Sarala Bathena Foundation became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2014.

Organizers say the foundation's work is guided by the values Sarala lived by: generosity, compassion, and caring for others.

While oncology support remains at the heart of the mission, funds from the Super Sampling also go back into communities across New Jersey. This year, the foundation is launching its India Chapter, which will support education and underprivileged children in India, a cause tied to the Bathena family's roots.

How A Liquor Store Family Built A Major Fundraiser

The Bathena family owns Buy Rite Liquors, which has more than 50 locations across New Jersey. Over the years, the family has leaned on its decades of relationships with customers, suppliers, and distributors to grow the event, adding more bottles and more tastings each year.

The result is a fundraiser that draws serious wine, beer, and spirits enthusiasts, as well as residents who simply want to support a good cause.

What's Pouring

Highlights at this year's event include:

• Bulleit
• Buffalo Trace
• Macallan
• Redbreast
• Clase Azul
• Moët & Chandon Champagne
• Beluga Vodka
• Caymus
• Duckhorn Vineyards
• Buy Rite's private barrel bourbons

Local legend Eric LeGrand will also be on hand pouring his whiskey.

Event Details

The Super Sampling runs from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.

General admission tickets are $195. VIP tickets are $250 and include early entry at 6 p.m. Tickets and direct donations are available at e.givesmart.com/events/Q8t.

Businesses and brands interested in sponsoring can choose from several packages, with perks ranging from VIP tickets to prominent logo placement at the event. Sponsorship details are available at e.givesmart.com/events/Q8t/