(Video by Darrell Weems)
On Thursday, Jan. 29, more than 750 guests will attend the 18th Annual Red & White on Thursday Night, a wine and food gala presented by Akron General, a Cleveland Clinic affiliate, benefiting the Arthritis Foundation.
The evening takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Quaker Station at The University of Akron, 135 S. Broadway St., in downtown Akron.
The event, voted one of the best in Akron by AkronLife Magazine, is expected to raise more than $82,000. All proceeds support critical local Arthritis Foundation initiatives including advocacy and access, help and support, and research.
An exclusive VIP Lounge experience is planned that will give VIP ticket holders access to special fare prepared by the Executive Chef of University Catering at The University of Akron and high-end wine pairings. Special features and other surprises are planned. VIP ticket holders also have access to the main event.
VIP Lounge amenities include:
- Specialty cuisine courtesy of Executive Chef Matt Regula of University Catering
- Luxury wines from Wine Trends
- Spa services courtesy of Massage Envy Spa
- Exclusive giveaways
Presale tickets are $85 general admission, and $125 VIP Lounge. At the door general admission is $95, and VIP Lounge is $135. Sponsorship opportunities and group ticket pricing are available. Purchase tickets online at www.akronredandwhite.com or call (216) 285-2829.
Event Chair is Keith Busch, VP of Client Development , Hitchcock Fleming & Associates. Michele Hatherill, MD, from Akron General Orthopedics, will serve as the event’s Honorary Chair. Dr. Hatherill has dedicated nearly 30 years of her practice to improving the lives of people with arthritis.
Participating restaurants include: Bistro on Main, Chocolates by Erin, Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant, Dante Boccuzzi Akron, Hudson’s Restaurant, Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar, Saffron Patch in the Valley, Sweetopia, The Taverne of Richfield, The Galaxy Restaurant, The Lockview, The Pierogi Lady, The West Side Bakery, Thorpe’s Market Avenue Grill, and University Catering at the University of Akron.
Wines from around the world will be provided by Bowling Green Beverage, Inc., Esber Beverage Company, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Superior Beverage Group, Traderman Distributors, Tramonte and Sons, LLC and Wine Trends.
Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability and affects more than 50 million Americans and nearly 300,000 children. In Northeastern Ohio, nearly 1.3 million people of all ages have been diagnosed with arthritis. Akron General and the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeastern Ohio have partnered to provide annual educational programs that address important topics including arthritis pain management, the importance of exercise for people with arthritis, updates on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Other event sponsors include: hfa, Crystal Clinic, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging, The Omnova Solutions Foundation, Roetzel & Andress, LPA, Akron Beacon Journal, 97.5 WONE, 94.9 WQMX and 1590 WAKR.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of arthritis, which strikes one in every five adults and 300,000 children, and is the nation’s leading cause of disability. To conquer this painful, debilitating disease, we support education, research, advocacy and other vital programs and services.