Chris Powell of Scripps Networks and the chairman-elect of the Knoxville Area Urban League, bids on an item. Beside him is Leigh White of WBIR-TV, a new Urban League board member. Word to wise: Don't bid against Chris!
The event is called Cork Savvy and this is its second year under that name. A fundraiser by the Knoxville Area Urban League Young Professionals, it recently raised $17,500 to be used for scholarships and more.
But, even more impressive, is the fact that when Cork Savvy’s major sponsor, Scripps Networks Interactive, took the event to five other cities — Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, New York and Chicago — results showed the Knoxville event out-raised all of them! Wow. I didn’t know Knoxville was that big a wine town. I did know that Knoxvillians would get out and support a good cause, and they did!
Cork Savvy is a wine dinner featuring Entwine, the four wines commissioned by Scripps in partnership with Wente Vineyards. The event was held at Ruth’s Chris Steak House — in Knoxville and in the other cities, too. In addition to the dinner, the evening featured a live auction.
It truly is energizing to be around a group of committed and fun-loving young people like the ones in this group. The Urban League Young Professionals are folks aged 21 to 40 who serve as an auxiliary to the Urban League. This particular event will fund two scholarships for minority students who plan to pursue careers in health care, a field that will certainly be on the rise as our country’s population ages.
Since Entwine was introduced into the Knoxville market about this time last year (click here for a story about that), I’ve developed a fondness for it. Designed as a “starter” wine for folks who are just beginning to get in the habit of drinking wine with dinner, it is very approachable — and drinkable. My favorite is the pinot grigio. But I used the chardonnay this week in a shrimp dish I like to make — and it was delicious.
Here’s a look at some of the Cork Savvy fun.
The Entwine pinot grigio was the "greeter" - the wine served as guests entered the room.
Damon Rawls, president of the Urban League Young Professionals, with Urban League President and CEO Phyllis Nichols.
Chris Powell with Lydia McCoy of the News Sentinel
From left, Andrea Crouse, Daphne Ternoir and Crystal Washington at the Scripps table.
Twuanna Munroe, left, with Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Perez, also at the Scripps table
Urban League board members Chris Powell and Leigh White
Leigh's husband, Gene Rump, with Urban League board member Gwen Brown
The guest speaker of the evening was N.J. Pesci, senior vice president of human resources for Scripps Networks Interactive. He is here with his wife, Mary Ann. They moved here after 19 years in Cincinnati. "We love Knoxville," he declared.
The first course, a strawberry, toasted almond and blue cheese salad with a champagne vinaigrette, was paired with Entwine chardonnay.
The second course, crab-stuffed mushrooms, was paired with Entwine merlot. Delish.
The filet with garlic mashed potatoes and wild mushrooms was served with Entwine cabernet sauvignon.
The cabernet also went well with dessert: mini key lime cheesecake with chocolate pecan bark.
Auctioneer Bear Stephenson works many charity events. But he said this one was one of his favorites. (Mine, too!)
Alan Carmichael, left, and Jim Nichols
Phyllis Nichols and Deanene Catani of UT Medical Center.
Stephanie Halouma of Scripps and Tom Catani of U.S. Cellular. Tom also is a member of the Urban League board.
Patrick Powell, center, with his in-laws, Jim and Phyllis Nichols. Patrick recently took a job as development director for the UT College of Communications and Information.
This sweet lady is Anita Lane, general manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Knoxville. She surprised me by buying me a case of wine -- my favorite, pinot grigio! She did it for no reason at all! Thanks, friend.
Stripes! Here are Linda Reid, left, and Rosalyn Tillman.
From left, Pam Davis, Shana Love and Brandon Hardin
Auctioneer Bear Stephenson was joined at dinner by Theresa Thornhill, center, and Lydia McCoy.
Korri Jones, left, and Leslie Guyot
Braxton Hunter and Leigh White
Phyllis Nichols with her niece, Brittany Reid
I thought the flowers, by Leah McCall of Whimsical Gatherings, were stunning. (Wish I'd moved those cell phones, though!)
Here's another arrangement -- without a cell phone!
Great job, folks!
Sounds like a terrific event for a wonderful organization!
Peter and I would have attended had we known about it. And, I agree with your comments about Entwine — especially the Pinot Grigio.
Ellen: Next year I will be sure and let you know as soon as I hear details. I think it would have been even more fun if you and Peter had been there.
Thanks to Scripps for supporting our Young Professionals so they can do their community service projects. Drinking wine, good food and great friends make this a very special evening. Thanks Cynthia for capturing the fun!
Phyllis: This is such a fun evening and shows that the Young Professionals are committed to helping Urban League fulfill its mission – while having fun at the same time. Proud of them!
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