DANBURY, CONN. — Fine vintages from around the world will take center stage as Western Connecticut State University hosts its 10th Annual Holiday Wine Tasting on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, to raise funds for the Caraluzzi Scholarship Endowment.

The popular annual event ushering in the holiday season will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of the university’s Westside Campus Center, Lake Avenue Extension in Danbury. A donation of $50 per guest will cover the cost for sampling a large and diverse selection of domestic and international wines, complemented by an extensive buffet of foods prepared by area restaurants and caterers. The event will feature live music and a silent auction of goods, services and gift certificates.

The Nov. 2 event will celebrate a decade of successful fundraising to support the Caraluzzi Scholarship Endowment, founded in 1999 by the family of Anthony Caraluzzi Sr. and his wife Julia to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of Caraluzzi’s Markets in Bethel. Over the past nine years, the Holiday Wine Tasting has raised some $119,000 in scholarship funds, supporting grants from the endowment to WCSU freshmen who are graduates of Bethel High School and Immaculate High School in Danbury and to continuing WestConn students enrolled in the Ancell School of Business. Sixty students have received awards from the endowment since grant awards began in 2001.

The Caraluzzi family’s significant contributions to the university were recognized in May when Anthony Caraluzzi Jr., board chairman for Caraluzzi’s Markets in Bethel, Georgetown and Newtown, was honored with his wife Roberta at the WestConn 2008 University Ball.

“Over the years, the generosity and initiative of the Caraluzzi family have made it possible for dozens of students to attend WestConn,” WCSU President James W. Schmotter observed. “In so doing, they have shared the benefits of their business success with the Bethel and Greater Danbury communities. They are an exemplar of corporate social responsibility, and we’re proud that our university has been a partner in their philanthropy,”

Caraluzzi noted that the Holiday Wine Tasting has succeeded in attracting members of the Greater Danbury business and civic community to campus for informal social exchange with WestConn administrators and faculty. “I’ve often said that WestConn is a little gem in the Danbury area, and by supporting WestConn, we’re cultivating future employees for our businesses,” he said.

Distributors of Nutmeg Discount Liquors in Bethel will supply the wines for the tasting. Hors d’oeuvres and entrees served during the event will be provided by Caraluzzi’s Markets, Mr. Sushi in Bethel, and La Zingara restaurant in Bethel.

Reservations for the event are limited. To reserve tickets or request additional information, call the Office for Institutional Advancement at (203) 837-8832.

No Reservation Necessary – Walk-Ins are welcome!

 
Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York.
Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics
of New England’s best small private universities.