An Evening of Wine and Roses - Durand Foundation Celebrates the Spirit of Giving
by Jackie Pantaliano

On the evening of April 22, the excitement was palpable as the smell of roses wafted through the historic arches in Jennifer and Ian McPherson's lovely Haddonfield home. Jennifer McPherson, who serves on the Durand Foundation Board of Trustees, volunteered her time as chairperson in hosting Durand's first Wine and Cheese Fundraiser, featuring celebrity speaker Andrew Firestone of Firestone Vineyards and The Bachelor television show. The goal for the event was to raise funds to help support a new centralized facility for Durand Academy and Community Services. The evening was a resounding success as it helped raise $14,000 to benefit children and adults with special needs throughout the tri-county community.

The new centralized facility in Deptford Township, New Jersey, will house Durand Academy's K-8 school (currently renting space in a church in Woodbury) and Durand's vocational day center and administrative offices in outgrown space in Mt. Laurel.

As each of the 120 guests and invited media arrived, they enjoyed a delectable array of generously donated gourmet cheeses, hors d'oeurves, and drinks, as they peered around to catch their first glimpse of Andrew Firestone.

Andrew charmed the crowd as he spoke about his family's foray into the California wine industry, and his experience as The Bachelor. Based in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, Firestone Vineyards was founded by Andrew's father and grandfather in the early 1970s. Andrew's great grandfather was the entrepreneur behind Firestone Tires.

Attendees learned the basics of wine tasting and appreciation, and even discovered that Firestone Vineyards was featured in the hit movie, Sideways. Various wines from Firestone Vineyards were sampled, as the laughter flowed.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a long-stemmed rose to each lady in the room, a ritual borrowed from The Bachelor TV show. All the guests enjoyed chatting with the very down-to-earth, still available bachelor. However, the single ladies seemed to linger the longest, as they noted that Andrew was as handsome in person as he appeared on TV!

Guests were also treated to an array of artwork created by clients of Durand Academy and Community Services vocational day center, group homes, and K-8 school. The art pieces were successfully auctioned for sale, as well as golf equipment, spa visits, gift certificates, and many other items donated from area sponsors.

"Our deepest appreciation goes out to all of our generous event sponsors, who have graciously donated their time, services, and products," said Ray Cristofoletti, Executive Director of Durand Academy & Community Services. "The evening was a great success, thanks to Rich Schneider of Taj Mahal Casino-Resort introducing Durand to Andrew Firestone. Andrew's presence as a celebrity and wine connoisseur was outstanding, enabling us to raise funds for our work."