You can enjoy a bubbly, interactive evening, while learning about champagne from a prestigious sommelier, in support of seniors in our communities.
CHATS, Community and Home Assistance to Seniors, is hosting Bring on the Bubbles April 25 in Aurora with Melvyn Ong, a classically trained sommelier and chef who received his training at the Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, who will lead you through an interactive tasting experience in the world of champagne.
As well as tasting a variety of champagnes, you will learn a little history, and sample a curated selection of hors d'oeuvre pairings at the beautiful and historic Armoury.
The event is being spearheaded by CHATS board vice chairperson Colleen Jones, who knows firsthand the impact of being a caregiver for a loved one or friend is challenging and often requires life-changing commitments. In 2019, Jones moved across the country to care for her elderly mother.
“Like most seniors, my mom did not want to move from her home, but living on her own, without help, was no longer viable. Regrettably, the community where she lived did not have the types of support she needed,” said Jones in a CHATS news release.
As her mother’s caregiver, Jones discovered that there were no services to support her in this new role, either.
Unfortunately, Jones’ mother passed away in 2020. But the experience opened Jones' eyes to the plight of hundreds of thousands of seniors and caregivers in similar positions. In an effort to ensure that seniors and caregivers can access the supports they need to successfully age at home, Jones — now back in York Region — decided to raise funds for CHATS, a not-for-profit that provides the types of support that she and her mother so desperately needed but were unavailable.
“This event is intended to provide a new and engaging evening of culinary learning for participants while raising awareness of the programs and services for older adults and their caregivers provided by CHATS,” said Christina Bisanz, CEO of CHATS. “We are grateful to be able to offer the expertise of Melvyn Ong for this special event.”
The event will be held April 25 at The Armoury, 89 Mosley St., in Aurora. Tickets are $195 or $1,400 for a table of eight. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the event will start at 7 p.m. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
Sponsors include National Bank Financial -The Durkin Dietz Group, as well as Delmanor Aurora, Magna International, Chartwell Retirement Residences York Region, Amica Unionville, and champagne sponsor Frerejean Frères.
For more information about sponsorship, visit CHATS - Community & Home Assistance to Seniors Home - CHATS.
