The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green
Library director Eric Sims shows off his wine tasting skills as he enjoyed a night of fine dining along with his fellow wine taster.

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green
Senior elementary education major Abigail Ragusa volunteers serving wine and a six course meal prepared by local businesses including Jessie W. Craig Culinary Enterprises of Hammond, Kookie Kreations by Robin Lindsey, Ladonna Guillot, Majorie Morrison and Judith Wenger.

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green
Volunteers served wine at the 7th annual “Wine with Friends” on October 30 hosted by Sims Memorial Library and Friends of Sims.

Sims Memorial Library and Friends of Sims hosted a night of fine dining, music, prizes, friendship and of course, wine.

The 7th annual “Wine with Friends” social took place Friday, October 30 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets were $35 each and were sold in advance. All proceeds from the event went directly to the library.

Friends of Sims is an organization that was started by director of Sims Memorial Library Eric Johnson and head of serials and department chair Janie Branham.

According to Johnson, the purpose of the organization is to raise money for programs, events, furniture, technology and other needs for the library.

“I want people to have a good time, learn about wine, support local vendors and tell their friends about the event for support,” said Johnson. 

Music was provided by Justin Burdette and Jonathan Lyons, who are both Southeastern alumni. The duo said they came to perform because they love supporting the community through arts.

 “Wine with Friends” was emceed by Lacy Landrum, past president of Friends of Sims. Wines were introduced by Red, White & Brew’s President, Todd Delaune.

 “I’m excited to be here for the first time,” said Delaune. “I’m going to try to make it as entertaining as possible with wine education.”

Six wines were offered and paired with samplings of food by Jessie W. Craig Culinary Enterprises of Hammond, Kookie Kreations by Robin Lindsey, Ladonna Guillot, Majorie Morrison and Judith Wenger. The menu included spicy shrimp skewer with tomato pesto bites, stuffed mushrooms, pork Louis, chilled cucumber and Anaheim Pepper soup, along with an assortment of desserts.

A variety of wines were offered such as Decoy Sonoma County Chardonnay, Sables d’Azur Cotes de Province, Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir and Secco Italian Bubbles Moscato. Local businesses Red, White & Brew, Anderson and Boutwell, LeBlanc’s food store and Pontchartrain Vineyards contributed wine for the event. 

Although this was Delaune’s first time attending “Wine with Friends”, Red, White & Brew always facilitates wine for the event.

“We have a business in Hammond and our success comes from the community,” said Delaune. “It’s a pleasure and reason to do this event.”

Food and refreshments were served by volunteers, including members of Alpha Sigma Tau Kelsea Drew Locicero, Brandi Bastian and Rachael Younger. 

Friends of Sims board member Dusty Cooper said that one of the reasons for doing “Wine with Friends” is to gain membership for Friends of Sims.

 “The purpose of ‘Wine with Friends’ is getting together to have nice food, good wine and gain attention for the library,” said Friends of Sims board member Dusty Cooper.

Friends of Sims and the library advertised through The Lion’s Roar newspaper and KSLU. Postcards were sent to past and current members of the organization. Cooper accredits these advertising methods as one of the reasons for the steady level of attendance every year.

Cooper, who has been a board member of Friends of Sims for four years, describes one of the setbacks for the event, was getting vendors for the event. 

Throughout the night, after each course, wine inspired trivia questions were asked by Delaune. 

Attendees who answered correctly were given gifts that were perfect for wine lovers. Names were also drawn from a hat for the silent auction giveaway.

One of the winners, senior social work major, Melanie Mann described her first time attending “Wine with Friends.”

“I heard it was a great fund-raiser and wasn’t as stuffy as other wine tastings,” said Mann. “To someone who isn’t familiar with the fancier wines, it helped the transition.”

Johnson believes that “Wine with Friends” has been successful because of the social aspect of the night.

“Everyone seems to meet someone they haven’t already met before and get new friends,” said Johnson. “Everyone usually has a good time and returns at least three or more times.”

On Saturday, March 12, Friends of Sims plans to host a Membership Tea for members of Friends of Sims. For information about other upcoming events, visit the Southeastern homepage.