Community — IGNC Wine & Cheese event ‘magical’

Karen Gleason

The 830 Times

The Del Rio International Good Neighbor Council’s 3rd Annual Wine & Wine scholarship fundraiser on Feb. 17 raised thousands of dollars and has been hailed as a success by organizers.

“This year’s event was hosted at the Enchanted Jardin event center,

and it was a magical night to remember. People attending described the event as something you would see in a bigger city. One guest even went so far as to say this is the event of the year for Del Rio that no one should miss and everyone should get involved in sponsoring,” Del Rio IGNC President Andrew Scarbo said after the event. 

“The help of all our sponsors allowed us to keep our expenses low and make, after expenses, between $12,000 and $13,000, which will all go towards scholarships we give out during our Miss Del Rio Pageant and our upcoming new community scholarship program,” Scarbo added.

Scarbo said he wanted to “give a huge thank you” to all those who assisted in making the event possible.

“We had several sponsors participate, wonderful vendors showcasing their products and of course volunteers from our IGNC board and the IBC Bank. Without all of these wonderful participants and partnerships the event would not have been a huge success, and let me tell you, it was a very huge success,” Scarbo said.

The wine and cheese fundraiser was sold out, with more than 300 guests from throughout the area, including some who attended from Mexico.

“IGNC is all about the friendships and the partnerships we create between the two countries of the United States and Mexico by giving assistance to both communities, and this event truly showcased every aspect of that,” Scarbo said.

The Enchanted Jardin venue was decorated by Fancy Fiesta and The Balloon Loft, and guests enjoyed a variety of hot appetizers, as well as cheeses, meats, fruits and wines.

“The event featured four wines that are served at a locally-owned wine bar in Del Rio called SoJo Cellar. SoJo also featured a 12-foot-long charcuterie table that was truly unique and covered with wonderful meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies, all artistically arrayed for guests to enjoy,” Scarbo said.

He said guests were able to sample a wide range of cheese from Ciudad Acuña cheese maker Santa Maria.

“The Good Bar restaurant also provided delicious appetizers for our guest during the entire night,” Scarbo said.

While sipping wine and sampling cheeses, guests were treated to the music of Juan “The Saxx Man” Nanez and Angel Baena.

“During intermission a live auction of artwork by local high school students took place. IGNC would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Fermin Venegas, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Dovalina and Mr. and Mrs. Abner Martinez for purchasing the artwork and contributing to the funds raised during the event,” Scarbo said. 

He said all of the money raised during the event will contribute to the IGNC’s scholarship efforts.

“The purpose of this event is to raise as much money to give back to the children of our community through the awarding of scholarships. One way we are able to raise so much is by the many sponsorships we get. This is done in many ways, such as table sponsorships, of which we had 18 this year, or by getting donations of items served during the event. Enchanted Jardin, SoJo Cellar, Fancy Fiesta, The Good Bar, The Balloon Loft, Santa Maria, The Mexican Consulate and Auden Cabello Photography all gave donations or donated their services for the event,” Scarbo said.

He added the IGNC is already making plans for next year’s event, during which the group plans to bring “A Taste of China” to Del Rio.