Starlight MidAtlantic and Michel Richard Host Second Annual Wine Dinner
October 6, 2008Starlight MidAtlantic hosted the Second Annual Wine Dinner Friday, September 26th, at the elegant Michel Richard Citronelle, in the Georgetown section of Washington D.C. Guests enjoyed an evening filled with unique and rare wines donated by Washington D.C.’s top wine collectors, all to benefit Starlight MidAtlantic’s mission of helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through one of a kind programs.
Citronelle's Michel Richard cooking for the Wine Dinner's guests
The seven course menu was designed by 2008 James Beard award winner and James Beard Outstanding Chef of the Year 2007, Michel Richard, chef and owner of Citronelle, Washingtonian’s 2008 number one restaurant in the city. Guests indulged in the outstandingly creative gastronomic combinations, including entrees of Mini Macaroni Crab Gratin, Roasted Duck, and Pate En Croute. Mark Slater, James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Service of the Year 2007, poured French and America wines such as Joseph Phelps Insignia 2004, Rochioli Chardonnay, Chateau Margaux 1986 and Eagles Trace Pinot Noir 2005.
“We were able to create a custom menu with succulent ingredients to compliment each wine course” said Sommelier Mark Slater. “Great wine, great good and great people dedicated to a great cause. It was most enjoyable for all involved.”
The event was co-chaired by Jeffery Zell, President of JM Zell Partners and President of Starlight MidAtlantic; Rick Genderson, Owner/CEO of the prestigious wine store Schneider’s of Capitol Hill and Treasurer of the foundation; and Curtin Winsor, Founder & Chairman of Bank of Georgetown and Starlight MidAtlantic Board Member. The wine presented during the evening was donated by JM Zell Partners, Schneider’s of Capitol Hill, Washington Wholesale Liquor-Pinnacle House and Eagles Trace.
“I have been an avid wine collector for years, the menu and wines we selected paired wonderfully. As a father, I understand the importance of Starlight MidAtlantic’s programs. The Wine Dinner is a unique way to support Starlight MidAtlantic’s mission of bringing joy to seriously ill children,” said Jeffery Zell. “I’m thrilled the second Wine Dinner was a success, and I cannot wait to continue the tradition next year, in honor of all the Starlight MidAtlantic families.”
All proceeds of the Wine Dinner go directly to providing Starlight MidAtlantic’s comprehensive menu of outpatient, hospital-based and electronic offerings to our Starlight MidAtlantic children and families. Starlight MidAtlantic programs are proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. The evening raised over $100,000 to restore some of the laughter and happiness a serious illness takes away.
During the evening tribute was paid to the late Tom Shelton, a member of the Starlight Children’s Foundation MidAtlantic Board. Tom Shelton, former President & CEO of Joseph Phelps Vineyard, served as co-chair of the inaugural Starlight MidAtlantic Wine Dinner. He recently lost his battle with brain cancer. As a memorial magnum bottles of wine were auctioned off to benefit brain cancer research.
Tribute to Tom Shelton
