Art and artisanal wines at fundraiser for Kent Land Trust

KENT — The setting and the weather were as delicious as the hundreds of wines offered for sale and for tastes at the Kent Land Trust fundraiser Saturday, April 2.Seventeen wine vendors from the Tri-state region participated, and offered sips of 93 wines to the approximately 300 people who purchased tickets for the event. Vendors also donated 10 percent of all sales to the Land Trust. Artisanal cheeses and other regional, hand-crafted foods were provided by J.P. Gifford, the café and food shop on Main Street. The setting for the event was the Morrison Gallery, opened up for the evening by owner Billy Morrison.“He was so gracious and welcoming,” said Connie Manes, who is the Land Trust’s executive director. “He’s been incredibly generous,” agreed Ira Smith, owner of Kent Wine and Spirits (and organizer of the wine vendors for the fundraiser).“The Kent Land Trust is so pleased to have had this opportunity to make new friends and catch up with longtime supporters and the proceeds from the event will go far in helping us to care for our properties,” Manes said. “The proceeds will be designated to our land stewardship program.”

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