Published: The Chester County Hospital Foundation Donor Report FY2011
Anniversaries, birthdays or Date Night - all of us have our traditions and many of us celebrate them at the restaurants in Dilworthtown, PA - Dilworthtown Inn, Inn Keeper's Kitchen and Blue Pear Bistro. But, this year, Jim Barnes and Bob Rafetto, the owners of the Dilworthtown restaurants, celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their own tradition - The Dilworthtown Inn Wine Festival.
On the second Sunday in October, guests look forward to enjoying more than 100 varieties of wine on the manicured grounds of the complex that encompasses the three restaurants. Five years ago Jim & Bob made the Cancer Program of Chester County Hospital and Neighborhood Heath the beneficiaries of the Wine Festival after a close friend, Norma Ciccarone, lost her battle with Breast Cancer. "Every Thursday night, Norma and John Ciccarone and their family would join us for dinner. We consider them part of our family. It was painful to watch Norma go through her treatments and to lose her. This was a way to honor her and all of our guests, friends and family members who have had to fight cancer."
The event is organized by the Women's Auxiliary to Chester County Hospital. The Brandywine and Greystone Branches work throughout the year in coordination with the staff at Dilworthtown to create a memorable afternoon. Inn Sommelier, Steve McKinney, acts as a curator for the event. "It's important to have a good representation of what is available to today's wine aficionados. Our selection for the day ranges from local vineyards to our favorites from Chile, Argentina, France and South Africa. It's a great way for the occasional wine drinker to explore their tastes and for those with a refined palate, a chance to find something new."
The event also includes food created by Executive Chef, Glenn McQueen, with classic items from the Inn's menu including their famous Lobster Bisque and specialty items for the Festival - the Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich is a favorite! Even regular guests of the restaurants help out. Mark and Carol Reynolds organize a luxury car show for the Festival. "We love going to Dilworthtown because we're always treated so well. That's one of the reasons we are proud to support the Wine Festival. The money is used to ensure that patients with cancer in Chester County get cutting edge medical treatment and complimentary care - physical therapy, massage therapy, and transportation assistance. It's a way to make certain the patients are not just treated, they are treated well."
In addition to the great wine, food and luxury car show, guests of the Wine Festival enjoy a magnificent Silent Auction, Live Entertainment, Shopping and event emcee, Bill Henley, weatherman and host of the 10! Show on NBC 10, Philadelphia.
"We enjoy all of the best moments in our guests' lives - holiday parties, family dinners, girls' night out, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. It is rewarding that we are able to help out in the tough times, too," says Bob Rafetto. In the last five years, the Wine Festival has raised more than $150,000 in support of the Cancer Program and Neighborhood Health.