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Stanislaus State alumni prepare 'Wine, Brew & Bites' for annual fundraiser
Vines 2016 2
This years Vines: Wine, Brew & Bites event will feature over 30 different exhibitors, more than 60 silent auction items donated by local businesses, and a Wine Wall, which will give guests an opportunity to choose from over 40 bottles of wine that have been donated by the community. - photo by Photo Contributed

The Stanislaus State Alumni Association aims to advance programs designed to bring students and alumni together by first connecting alumni and the campus community during their Vines 2016 fundraising event, which will feature exquisite wines, craft beer and delectable food from over 30 different exhibitors.

 “This is a great opportunity to increase and enhance the town-and-gown relationship, which I think is just vital,” said Director of Alumni Relations Lisa McMullen. “This is a really exciting time for Stanislaus State and Turlock and our regional partners, so it is important for us to always be looking for opportunities to bring our alumni and campus community to campus. It’s just a wonderful night out.”

The year’s event will feature more than 30 exhibitors, including some alumni-owned businesses like Bistro 234 and Dust Bowl Brewing Company. McMullen, who assured that “guests will not leave hungry,” said that one new addition will be Galletto Ristorante Executive Chef Michael Goularte.

Goularte will not be in attendance to showcase the popular Modesto food destination, however, but his new restaurant creation Hauck’s Grill, a downtown Turlock eatery that is expected to open sometime in March.

Many of the event’s exhibitors will be paired together “to allow them to create a small bite that complements the wine being poured,” according to McMullen, who said that the feature is new this year. Sample pairings involve Cameron Hughes Wine and Greens on Tenth, as well as Bloomingcamp Ranch and Quintessential Wines.

The Vines silent auction will return this year with items donated by local businesses up for bid. Guests can also expect a “Wine Wall,” which will give them an opportunity to choose from over 40 bottles of wine that have been donated by the community. Each bottle will have a $20 value or higher.

Vines supports the advancement of programs designed to bring students and alumni together. Proceeds from the event will benefit Stanislaus State alumni programs, campus projects and the Alumni Association Academic Achievement Scholarship. Last year’s Vines event raised over $60,000.

“Vines is essentially the primary fundraising event for the Stanislaus State Alumni Association and really our only fundraiser,” said McMullen. “We are focused on bringing alumni together with students through alumni mentorship and enhancing the student experience.”

Sponsors for this year’s event include E. & J. Gallo Winery, In Memory of Nora and Hashem Naraghi: Benefactors of the CSU Stanislaus Naraghi Hall of Science, Emanuel Medical Center, Turlock Journal and Huff Construction Co., Inc.

Vines 2016 is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 10 in the Fitzpatrick Arena at Stanislaus State, One University Circle. For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit csustan.edu/vines.