The crowd was buzzing at Bridgestone Arena on April 9 as the Nashville Predators Foundation hosted the 20th Annual Wine Festival & Tasting supported by Deacon’s New South.
Hundreds of community members and Predators fans alike attended the event to sample a wide variety of wines, spirits and local cuisines provided by more than 100 companies and vendors. Guests were also able to participate in a silent auction to win memorabilia signed by their favorite Predators players and experiences from Nashville businesses. A complimentary photo booth was available for patrons to snap a picture to remember the night.
Wine Fest has become a beloved event for Smashville faithful and other community members since its debut in 2006.
“Wine Fest has been a staple for the 20 years we’ve had it,” Predators Director of Community Relations Kristen Harris said. “Fans love it. This event allows the community or people that love wine to come and support a good cause.”
Community Relations Manager Morgan Starosciak expressed how Wine Fest is a great way to get Predators fans involved off the ice.
“It’s special for people who love the Predators and want to be in their space,” Starosciak said. “It gives fans the opportunity to be over the ice with the boards and party like they’re part of the team.”
One of the highlights of Wine Fest is the diverse collection of food and beverages for patrons to try.
“You’re working with distributors, suppliers, vineyards and restaurants, so it’s a lot of moving parts to help make it happen,” Harris said. “It’s a fun event that brings a lot of local restaurants, local vendors and partners we have that are collaborating and supporting each other.”
The Predators Foundation takes immense pride in being able to bring the community together to support their efforts, but planning an event like this is no small feat.
“It truly takes a village,” Starosciak said. “Every single person in Middle Tennessee, in the police force, on Broadway, Bridgestone and the Predators organization is involved in planning things like this, and it truly takes everybody. Everyone pulled together to make something special for all of our fans and the smiles on everyone’s faces last week really showed how much they cared.”
While Wine Fest provides guests with an evening full of sips and entertainment, it also allows the Predators Foundation to raise money for their charitable endeavors throughout the Middle Tennessee community.
Funds raised from the night will benefit hundreds of charities in Middle Tennessee.
“This event is huge for the Preds Foundation,” Starosciak said. “Everything from Wine Fest goes to our Helper Grants Program, which is giving out hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to local organizations around Middle Tennessee. Without events like this and without support, we wouldn’t be able to help as many charities as we do.”
Even though the 20th Wine Fest is over, the Foundation still has a long road ahead of them.
“We’ll be giving out over $850,000 in May through our grants program,” Harris said. “All of our Foundation events help raise the money that we’re able to give out to the community and see the great work our charities do.”
