Fine wine and food awaited 350 guests at Todaro’s Party Center in Akron for Joyful Tastes of Life on Thursday evening. Terri Kisha and Liz August greeted guests and gave out souvenir wine glasses. Dr. John J. Petrus was title sponsor for the Akron General Foundation event to benefit Hospice of the Visiting Nurse Service, which provides end-of-life patient care and supportive services.
Roula Elias and Logan Eisenhurt served hummus and tabouli at the Aladdin’s Eatery booth, while Tim Chesney offered sandwiches from Bruegger’s bagels. Toby Gorant and Becky Petty recommended the lasagna by chef Damon Choice at Bravo’s booth.
Sherryl Thomas and Beth Bryan encouraged guests to try vintner John Anthony’s new wine at Purple Feet Distributing. Brandi and Don Heffelfinger liked the Lo Nuevo wine from Wine Trends, being served by Peter Wood. Nick Duke of Europa Imports offered samples to Nora Houser and Margie Trettel.
Cinda Farinacci liked the artichoke hearts and stuffed peppers served by Jim Belardo and Ryan Salobeck from D’Agnese Trattoria and Café: “We go there every Thursday, for ladies night,” she said. Dr. Molly Scantling and Carol Teodosio Peter sampled pineapple fried rice with chicken satay served by Charlie Somtrakool and Preecha Lerttebasiri from Cilantro.
For dessert, guests flocked to the West Side Bakery, where Barb Talevich and Lisa Shapiro served pumpkin bread pudding, and Tiffany’s Bakery for nut and pumpkin rolls.
Sue Wilson of WQMX and Tim Daugherty of WONE served as emcees, encouraging guests to visit the silent auction. Sandra and Thomas James admired a Christmas wine tree.
Scott Alan’s music prompted Angela and Robert DeVitis to leave their DeVitis Italian Market booth for an impromptu dance, and while he played island music Frank Chonka served Caribbean Wave samples. Karen Mullen, president of the Akron General Visiting Nurse Service, drew the winning ticket for a trip to the Greenbrier Resort. Derrick Sly was the lucky winner.