Ice wine event to benefit Backus stroke center
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When her husband suffered a stroke last July, Mary-Lee Wilcox didn't know what to expect. Her daughter had died in 2000 at age 32 from a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and with her husband in an induced coma, she feared the worst.
"The doctors and the nurses in the unit were phenomenal," she said. "I was amazed at how they handled it, they really kept the family involved."
"One of the doctors said it was a miracle he came out of it as well as he did, he has some memory loss and mood swings, but he should have been paralyzed. The doctor said he must have an angel on his shoulder."
In October, she and her husband, along with their grandson Blaze Faillaci, opened the Dalice Elizabeth Winery in Preston. It is named in honor of their daughter, who was president and co-founder of their gourmet food line,
Sumptuous Selections, out of Rocky Hill. After she died, they found notes about opening a retail location in Preston. Now that this family dream has come to fruition, they hope to be able to give back to the community as well.
To raise awareness and funds for the Backus Stroke Center, the winery is hosting a tasting event on Feb. 13, which will feature the introduction of their Ice Angel wine and cooking demonstrations by Executive Chef Guy Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell has been a guest chef at the White House and has worked with chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay and Paula Dean.
Proceeds from the event will support the Backus stroke program.
"We hope to help raise awareness of the signs of stroke and the importance of reacting quickly," Mrs. Wilcox said.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Connecticut and a major cause of disability. In October, Backus was designated as a Primary Stroke Center, meaning the hospital has proven to offer rapid and comprehensive stroke care for patients, while at the same time providing stroke education to improve outcomes and limit the number of strokes.
The event will highlight the new Ice Angel wine and tastings will include special blend reds and appetizers. There will be a silent auction and music as well.
An ice wine is created when grapes freeze on the vine. For this wine, grapes from Canada and Washington state will be used. Because the grapes are frozen, the juice is highly concentrated and sweet. It is usually served as a dessert wine, in cordial glasses. The Ice Angel will be presented in a cobalt blue bottle with a transparent label featuring a feather and rhinestone. The price is still being determined. Proceeds from this wine will go to the stroke center.
"The event is from 5:30-8 p.m. on Feb. 13, so people can stop by before going out for dinner for Valentine's Day," Mrs. Wilcox said. "It will be an exciting night."
If you want to go
What: Ice Angel Wine Tasting and Backus Stroke Center fundraiser
When: Feb. 13, from 5-8:30 p.m.
Where: Dalice Elizabeth Winery, 6 Amos Road in Preston
For information: Call the Backus Office of Philanthropy and Development at (860) 823-6331 or visit: www.daliceelizabeth.com for tickets, which are $50 each. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Backus stroke program.