Big Cedar Lodge/Bass Pro Property Hosts Clos du Bois Celebration of Tastes for Care to Learn Fund

Jan. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- Big Cedar Lodge/ a Bass Pro Property owned by John L. Morris  is partnering with Springfield businessman Doug Pitt to raise funds for “Care to Learn” Fund with Silent Auction at the annual wine lovers' event “Celebration of Tastes” featuring Clos du Bois and winemaker Erik Olsen. Doug Pitt is the founder of the “Care to Learn” program. For more information, visit www.CaretoLearnFund.org.

BIG CEDAR LODGE
Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premiere Wilderness Resort, on Table Rock Lake in the pristine Ozarks Mountains just outside of Branson is the host of the anticipated annual wine lovers’ event “Celebration of Tastes.”  This year’s “Celebration of Tastes” features a Silent Auction Charity Benefit for “Care to Learn” Fund.

Springfield businessman Doug Pitt is partnering with Big Cedar Lodge, to raise funds for “Care to Learn” Fund with the annual event “Celebration of Tastes” Silent Auction Fund Raiser at Big Cedar Lodge.  Doug Pitt is the founder of the “Care to Learn” program. For more information, visit www.CaretoLearnFund.org

“The idea was to help kids that show up on a school day with an immediate need. We need to get to them quickly. So we set up this fund to do just that. Last week, we had a kid need clothes and food. And within 20 minutes from the phone call, counselors, teachers, principals, make a call to the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. And they’re on it. They now have the funds to address that urgent need.” – Doug Pitt, Founder of Care to Learn Fund

“The passion to join the fund raising effort for Care to Learn is deeply rooted in my own personal experience.  I remember having to wear slippers to school because there was not enough money to buy new shoes.  Those humbling experiences create compassion.  It feels good to turn that experience into an opportunity for restoration at Big Cedar Lodge’s Annual Celebration of Tastes which will contribute funds to help children with immediate solutions so that they can experience generosity, gratitude and focus.” – Tiffany Bohrer, Director of Marketing & PR for Big Cedar Lodge

“Care to Learn” provides immediate funding and action to meet any emergent health, hunger, or hygiene issue and restore a child’s self-respect so they can get back in the classroom. A toothbrush. A coat. Deodorant. Breakfast. These are the things that stand between children and belonging—basic unmet needs that cause pain and embarrassment.

"Whether Africa, Cambodia, or Springfield, Missouri - a kid is a kid, and we have the ability to ease their suffering. ‘Care To Learn’ is doing that" — Brad Pitt, Benefactor

A Toast to Learn From...

The Celebration of Tastes is the event of the season for every wine lover to savor!
The weekend begins with our casual Friday Night Welcome Reception with featured wines from Clos du Bois and Winemaker Erik Olsen. Cooking stations offer a generous selection of hors d'oeuvres carefully chosen to highlight the nuances of each wine. The winemaker himself is present to share his expertise and answer questions, and our culinary team gives more tips on pairing food with wine. Plus, you'll enjoy a fabulous silent auction. Bid on special vintages, stemware, wine tools, and apparel from the host winery and our own specialty ‘Collections’ boutique. All proceeds from the auction go to “Care to Learn” fund.  

Saturday brings a full day of activities including culinary demonstrations, wine seminars, and tastings concluding with our main evening event: The Wine Lovers Reception and Dinner. This elegant evening starts with hors d'oeuvres and conversation. The multi-course menu that pairs perfectly with the finest wines is created by Big Cedar Lodge’s Executive Chef, Andy Hampshire and his team.

Seating is "social" at round tables to create an intimate atmosphere. You'll enjoy commentary from the winemaker as he addresses the room and each individual table throughout the evening. As a memento of your special night, you'll receive your very own recipes featuring the Celebration of Tastes Dinner Menu. The gift that keeps on giving will have you creating your own celebration of a wine lover's dinner for your friends and family at home.

February 19-20, 2010, Big Cedar Lodge “Celebration of Tastes” with Silent Auction Benefit for “Care to Learn”
Featuring Clos du Bois and Winemaker Erik Olsen – for more information, please visit www.closdubois.com
Friday, February 19th
Welcome Reception and Silent Auction Benefit for “Care to Learn” Fund
7:00p.m.- 9:00p.m.
$95 Per Guest
Saturday, February 20th
Culinary Demonstration
10:00a.m. -10:50a.m.
Complimentary to our Guests
Wine Tasting
11:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
$25 per Guest
Wine Seminar for the Enthusiast - Erik Olsen
2:15.p.m.-4:00p.m.
$45 per Guest
Wine Lovers Reception and Dinner
Reception ~ 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m.
Buttered Hors d'oeuvres and Wines
Dinner ~ 7:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
$155 per Guest
Contact Us at Big Cedar Lodge
For Reservations, please contact Tena Padgett at 417-339-5214 or email: tmpadgett@big-cedar.com
To secure lodging reservations and book other Big Cedar activities please call Vacation Planning at (417) 335-2777 ext: 4000.   www.BigCedar.com
All event pricing is per person including tax and gratuities.
Reservations are transferable, but not refundable.

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Big Cedar Lodge is the Ozarks premier wilderness resort offering unique, upscale accommodations including lodge rooms and cabins. Features include spacious meeting facilities, casual dining, full service marina, stables, spa and much more.