Park City Dishes it Up for Charity

When it comes to raising money, whether for therapy animals or kids’ sports programs, Park City knows how to step up to the plate and throw a splendid culinary fundraiser. It’s a time-honored formula: great food and wine, lots of good will, and voila! Beaucoup bucks are raised and the community grows stronger.

Here’s the lowdown on three of Park City’s worthy culinary fundraisers:

The National Ability Center’s Red, White & Snow event is a dazzler, filled with food and wine pairing events taught by noted experts, plus skiing events for all abilities. This past spring (the event is held each March), seminars included a Port and chocolate pairing and an exploration of the nuances of terroir and pinot noir. Events also include soigné wine dinners in private homes with top vintners and chefs. All proceeds benefit the National Ability Center, which, as its Web site explains, is “committed to the development of lifetime skills for people of all ages and abilities by providing affordable outdoor sports and recreational experiences in a nurturing environment.” 435.649.3991, www.redwhiteandsnow.org.

The Park City Culinary, Wine & Ski Classic was created by the Underdog Foundation to benefit a long list of worthy organizations. This past winter’s event was a true wing-ding, featuring “Ski with the Vintner” events, a big Community Night, numerous wine tastings and dinners featuring nationally known chefs and some of the world’s top wineries, and a live auction. Slated for February 8-11, the 2007 event will benefit Intermountain Therapy Animals, Arts Kids, Peace House and Women’s Ski Jumping USA. 435.615.7900, www.parkcitywineclassic.com.

The Park City Food & Wine Classic benefiting Performing Arts of Park City, debuted in summer 2006. This year’s event, scheduled for July 6 – 8, promises to be another wine-cooled sizzler. Events will take place at various locations, including an opening “Wine on the Mountain” event at Deer Valley Resort. There’s a grand tasting, with numerous wineries and tasty bites from local chefs, along with a Steel Chef competition, at the Canyons Resort. And new this year: a “Stroll of Park City” up and down Main Street, with stops at select restaurants. 877.328.2783, www.park
cityfoodandwineclassic.com.