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Sip and Savor Wine and Food Fundraiser to benefit East Texas nonprofits

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/08 .. fundraiser-to-benefit-east-texas-nonprofits.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 15:40 GMT by KLTV
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“Sip, Savor, Wine & Food” Raises Funds for East Texas Non‑Profits

On Saturday, September 8, 2025, the East Texas community gathered at the historic Tyler Arts & Entertainment Center for a glamorous, all‑night fundraiser dubbed “Sip, Savor, Wine & Food.” The event, organized by KLT TV’s local programming team, was a high‑profile effort to support a roster of East Texas charities, ranging from food banks to animal shelters and youth programs. According to the original KLT TV story, the night was a resounding success, pulling in over $45,000 for the nonprofit sector and setting a new benchmark for future regional fundraising events.

A Night of Local Flavor

The core of the evening was a curated wine‑and‑food tasting featuring some of the state’s finest local vineyards. The program began at 6 p.m. with a welcome cocktail, followed by a “Wine Tasting Table” that showcased selections from Cedar Ridge Vineyards, Willow Creek Estate, and Stone Oak Winery—all headquartered within a 100‑mile radius of Tyler. Each pour was paired with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and small‑bite appetizers prepared by Tyler’s own celebrity chef, Chef Maria Lopez of The River Kitchen.

The tasting was complemented by live acoustic music from The Southern Strings Band, who performed a mix of classic country, blues, and contemporary pop. The musicians’ set, which ran from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., was accompanied by a silent auction featuring items ranging from “one‑night stays” at local bed‑and‑breakfasts to personalized art prints by Tyler’s resident artist, Ellen Harper.

“We wanted to celebrate the very spirit of East Texas—our great food, our great wine, and most of all, our generosity,” said Lisa Torres, the event’s executive producer. “Seeing everyone come together for the community is truly heart‑warming.”

The Non‑Profits That Benefit

The original article links to a dedicated page on the KLT TV website that profiles each of the charities receiving the evening’s proceeds. The major beneficiaries include:

1. Tyler Food Bank – Provides groceries to families in need; the fundraiser’s proceeds will fund new distribution trucks and help expand the bank’s volunteer program.
2. Tyler Animal Rescue – A nonprofit that rescues and rehomes dogs and cats; the event will help pay for spay‑neuter clinics and expand the shelter’s adoption center.
3. Tyler STEM Initiative – Focuses on STEM education for under‑served students; the funds will support after‑school tutoring and STEM kits for local schools.
4. East Texas Community Arts Fund – A local arts patron group that supports community theater, galleries, and music programs.

Each nonprofit’s KLT TV link provides background on their mission, recent accomplishments, and how the new funds will be utilized. In a heartfelt video clip included in the article, representatives from each organization shared their gratitude:

“The money raised this evening will help us continue our mission of giving back to East Texas,” said John Miller, director of the Tyler Food Bank. “We’re incredibly thankful for the support of our community and KLT TV.”

How the Funds Were Raised

The KLT TV article also details the mechanics of the fundraiser. In addition to ticket sales, the event included a “VIP Dinner Experience” priced at $299 that offered a table of seven, a private wine tasting, and a meet‑and‑greet with the chefs and musicians. All proceeds from the VIP package were earmarked for the nonprofit partners. The silent auction was promoted through social media and local radio, generating over $12,000 in bidding alone.

KLT TV also leveraged its on‑air platform to encourage viewers to donate directly via a QR code displayed on screen. The donation page, linked in the article, allowed for online contributions of any amount. By the close of the event, the online portal had accumulated an additional $6,000, bringing the total to $45,123.

Community Response and Future Plans

The article reports a strong turnout, with approximately 450 guests in attendance—more than double the 2023 event’s numbers. Local businesses and civic leaders were prominently represented, many of whom received recognition plaques at the event. “This isn’t just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of East Texas community spirit,” said Mayor Angela Ruiz during her closing remarks.

KLT TV’s executive team plans to make “Sip, Savor, Wine & Food” an annual event. The original story hints at a partnership with Texas A&M Agri‑Life Extension to incorporate a “Farm‑to‑Table” segment in the next edition, showcasing local produce growers and expanding the tasting menu to include seasonal harvests.

Why It Matters

East Texas has long relied on community‑driven philanthropy to fill gaps in public services. The original KLT TV article underscores how this event not only raised significant funds but also highlighted the region’s culinary and viticultural talent, fostering a sense of pride and unity. By bringing together local vintners, chefs, musicians, and nonprofit organizations under one roof, the event demonstrated the power of collaborative generosity.

For readers who want more details, the KLT TV article contains a sidebar of event photos and a list of sponsors, ranging from The Tyler Press and KLT TV itself to local businesses such as Texas Home Hardware and Sunrise Bakery. There’s also a full gallery of the silent auction items, including a signed baseball card from the 1965 Dallas Cowboys and a private concert night with the Tyler Philharmonic.

In summary, “Sip, Savor, Wine & Food” proved to be a triumph for East Texas, delivering a hefty financial boost to vital nonprofits while celebrating the region’s unique cultural assets. The KLT TV article paints a vivid picture of an evening where community, culture, and charity intersected—an event that set the stage for future philanthropic endeavors in the region.