Wine, Food Festival benefits Boys and Girls Club

Big Red Liquors had its 16th annual Wine and Food Festival Friday night.

The event’s proceeds benefited the SMART Moves program for the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington, which educates 6- to 15-year-olds on alcohol awareness and refusal skills.

Thirty-seven tables lined the walls of the Bloomington Convention Center, where Indiana’s most knowledgeable wine connoisseurs educated event-goers about 300 wines from around the world.

Jordan McDonald is a fine wine specialist for Monarch Beverage Company based in Indianapolis. McDonald lived in Germany for two years with her husband and brought her extensive knowledge of German wine to the popular German wine table.

“I want people to understand the culture of Germany’s wines,” said McDonald. “Riesling is signature to Germany and is an all-around great wine, so I’m happy to share it with event-goers.”

Some Bloomington restaurants brought local flavor and their signature appetizers to the event. Restaurant owners shared their excitement to be participating in the event and supporting Big Red Liquors.

Mark Conlin is the owner of Janko’s Little Zagreb, Inc. and said he enjoys events that bring the community together for a good cause.

“It’s a good opportunity to support and be with other business owners,” said Conlin. “We are like a big family, so it’s always great to support one of our own.”

Boys and Girls Club volunteers said they were excited about the turnout and impressed by the efforts of Big Red Liquors and community businesses.

Jack Eads heads the Aviation Club for the Boys and Girls Club and is a returning guest from last year.

“Last year we came and didn’t know much about the wines. This year we know a bit more,” said Eads. “The more you drink, the more you know.”

Eads said he was especially excited about the event’s success and its promotion of the Boys and Girls Club. He said he considered the Boys and Girls Club a second home growing up and knows the impact it can have on young people’s lives.

“If it wasn’t for the Boys and Girls Club, I’d probably be in prison now,” said Eads. “It gave me moral guidance and values I could not get at home.”