Wine tasting benefits Gorman tuition fund

Bishop Gorman High School's annual spring wine tasting event served up good wines for a good cause.

Proceeds from the June 3 party will benefit the school's tuition program, helping to ensure that a quality college preparatory education is available for all who want to work hard to achieve.

In keeping with the party's theme of exploring wines of different countries, this year's choice was the wonderful selection of South America's best vints. The evening of tasting and entertainment took place around the fabulous pools of the M Resort.

Champagne was served to the guests as they entered the party to mingle poolside with Bishop Gorman President John Kilduff and his wife, Jeanne. Among the guests were Judge Mark and Alice Denton, Patty and Mike Morrissey, Buffie and Tom Kerestesi, Sharon and Mike Nolan, Julie and John Forbes, Susan Graves, Debbie and Walt Hawkins, Peggy and Bob Thalgott, Dorothy and ChiChi Bengochea, Ric Rushton, Georgia and Frank Martin, Val Miller, Melissa Victorino, and Julie Murray with Chuck Jackson.

The event's mistress of ceremonies was Maria Silva, producer for Fox affiliate KVVU, Channel 5. Musical performances were by students Davey Martinez and Stevi Portz, both members of Gorman's class of 2013, and the band Article Pilot.

Wirtz Beverage Nevada provided outstanding wines from 15 vintners, with most of the wines coming from Argentina and Chile.

The chefs of M Resorts served bay shrimp and scallop ceviche, hearts of palm and mango salad, grilled vegetables and mussels with mignonette and chives. Hot buffets offered grilled shrimp, beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon, pork churrasco on sugarcane, fried garlic plantains, black bean stew and jasmine rice. The carving station served Brazilian grilled sausage and roasted leg of lamb.

There was a beer tasting, and specialty drinks were the Carmen Miranda Caipirinha, Sangria Blanca, and Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey liqueur.

Participants including Nader Helmi, Christina Roush, Randy Becker, Kristina Wildeveld-Coneh, Ron Nicola, Julie and Vince Schaffer tried their luck by buying a key to unlock a treasure chest or spending $100 to pop a balloon for an impressive prize. A silent auction was also a big draw for the 600 guests.

Later in the evening, desserts of caramel flan, papaya mousse, key lime pie and chocolate mousse cake were enjoyed. The band Generacion Habanera added to the evening's Latin flare and had everyone on their feet dancing.

Seen in the crowd were Tiffany Tiberti, Kati and Brendan Keating, Aiee and Steve Buford, Katie and Scott Kerestesi, Megan and John Adams, Christine and Chris Nolan, Nicole and Greg Korte, Maria Blanco, Kris and Tim McGarry, Bridget and Charlie Guida, Jodie and Stu Berger, and Shelly and Mark Morton.

Bridget Moore and Amanda Hawkins coordinated the event.