'Taste' benefit to be held Thursday

Wine chills and corks pop. Platters of delicious appetizers and desserts roll in. Restaurateurs set up displays of some of the area's finest offerings. It's time for the 15th annual "A Taste of the Seasons."

Hosted by Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery in partnership with West Slope Liquors, The Cortez Journal, and KRTZ 98.7FM/KISS 97.9FM, the wine will begin pouring on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. Sponsors include Four Corners Community Bank and other area merchants and restaurants.

For 14 years, "A Taste of the Seasons" has helped raise more than $150,000 to programs in Montezuma County such as The Dolores Clubhouse for Youth, the Helping Hands House, Dolores Public Library and now the United Way of Southwest Colorado.

All money raised from this event go to the child-based programs of the 18 agencies supported by United Way. Last year, $17,400 was used to help children in Montezuma and Dolores Counties. Some of the United Way agencies benefiting from last year's event include the Southwest Open School, Pinon Project, Community Connections, Four Corners Child Advocacy Center and Renew. Recipients this year include Medicine Horse Center and The Bridge Emergency Shelter.

"A Taste of the Seasons 2013" features wines including from Guy Drew Vineyards. Beer, soft drinks and coffee will also be available.

Fine food and desserts will be presented by area restaurants, including Pepperhead, Shiloh's, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Stonefish, Main Street Brewery and Kuchu's. The silent auction will include works by new and familiar artists.

Tickets are $30 per person and are available at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery, West Slope Liquors in Cortez, and from United Way agencies. Guests over age 21 only, please.

For more information, call Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery, 565-8274; Bruce Johnson, United Way, at 882-2635.