While there are always wonderful wine events to enjoy here in our valley, few are as entertaining and altruistic as the yearly Crush MS Summer Celebration at the Reid Family Vineyards in Browns Valley. This year on July 27 from 4 to 7pm, guests will be able to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this event that benefits those who are suffering from the effects of Multiple Sclerosis, and at the same time, enjoy a plethora of iconic wines as well as the finest offerings of many boutique wines from our local winemakers.
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes one’s immune system to attack the protective covering surrounding the nerves, causing an array of symptoms, including vision loss, pain, fatigue, mobility issues and loss of sensation. The disease can be mild to debilitating. Fortunately, several treatments have been developed to help thwart disease progression in people with the most common form of the disease, Relapsing/Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. However, much needs to be done in the treatment of the more serious form, Primary Progressive MS. New treatments are being tested that show promise. It is the funding generated by events like Crush MS that will help to ensure that researchers can continue their work towards a future free of this disease.
Every year Reid Family Vineyards is bursting with the energy of celebration and support of people living with this disease. It is truly heartwarming to spend a glorious summer afternoon in a small, family-operated winery with people dancing, laughing, drinking great wine and feasting on fabulous local cuisine. The best part is knowing that your attendance is helping to improve the lives of people struggling with the effects of this debilitating disease. As this is the event’s 10th anniversary, large photos of people living their lives wholeheartedly, in spite of Multiple Sclerosis will be featured throughout the winery.
Guests will sample wines from multiple wineries, including Reid Family Vineyards, Grgich Hills, McKahn Wines, Fontanella, Prime Solum, J. Gregory, Frias, Silverado, Naked Wines, Anarchist, Young Inglewood, Llamas Family, Over/Under, Olivia Brion + Cantadora, Grape Culture, Jessup, Innumero Wines, Crane Family, Flying Lady, Handwritten, Knight’s Ridge and more.
Everyone will also be able to enjoy delicious bites from several local restaurants. Cocina Severiano will be offering their fresh birria tacos with homemade tortillas, as well as Ceviche de Camaron. There will be shrimp and sausage off the grill, as well as an assortment of gourmet bites. To top off your culinary experience, this year Crush MS is featuring Quail Point chocolates and soft serve ice cream.
To help you work off a little of those delicious calories, you can move and groove to the music of California Zephyr.
An exciting live auction will feature such fantastic opportunities as an 8-day/7-night stay at a luxury four bedroom/four bath condo in Costa Rica, an 8-day stay at an amazing villa in Croatia, and getaway for two to a four-star resort in Santa Barbara, complete with a gourmet Mexican dinner at Santa Mezcal Restaurant.
There is also a silent auction with tables overflowing with local wines and donations from local businesses.
John Scrum, the host of RealTalkMS will be broadcasting his podcast live from the event, as well.
Crush MS, a nonprofit organization, aims each year to raise over $100,000 to donate to critical MS research and MS programs. Attendees will be able to understand exactly what their contributions have accomplished with the latest report in MS research delivered by Dr. Lucas Kipp of Stanford Hospital.
The Crush MS event was formed when co-founder Kevin Reid attended a book reading by author Ronda Giangreco. Newly diagnosed, he was in search of information about the disease. Ronda recommended Kevin connect with a woman in Napa named Julie Hare who was also diagnosed with MS. Julie’s husband Steve had created a wine called Counterpunch with the intent of fighting back against diagnosis of MS. After many conversations, Julie and Kevin decided to collaborate on a wine tasting fundraising event and call it Crush MS. The first event was such a success they decided to create a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together with great wine to find the cause and cure of Multiple Sclerosis. Over the last 10 years, the organization has donated over $600,000 to research at Stanford University and UCSF, the International progressive MS Alliance, The National MS Society, the MS Achievement Center in Sacramento and Canine Companions for Independence.
Tickets can be purchased at crushms.org for $100 or at the door for $120, with a 50% discount for attendees with Multiple Sclerosis.
As parking is limited, guests are asked to please arrive via Uber or park at the nearby school, leaving parking in front of the venue for those with limited mobility.
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