NEWPORT, R.I. – The public is invited to participate in Salve Regina University’s Fourth Wine Tasting & Auction being held on campus in historic Ochre Court on Thursday, April 28.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction, followed by a live auction at 7:45 p.m. in Ochre Court, 100 Ochre Point Ave. Proceeds benefit student scholarships, featuring the Vision of Mercy Endowed Scholarship.
Scheduled just hours before the Royal Wedding is to take place in Westminster Abbey, one of the auction’s featured items is a replica of future princess Kate Middleton’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
Bids for that ring and several other items are being accepted now at www.biddingforgood.com/salveregina.
About 200 silent and live auction items in all will be available for bid on the evening of April 28, ranging from fine wines, dinner and theater outings, vacation packages, sporting goods and tickets, artwork and more.
Auctioneer will be Sal Corio, founder and president of SJ Corio Co., who has conducted hundreds of auctions over the course of a quarter century.
Fine wines have been hand-selected for the event by Leonard Panaggio, a Rhode Island Hospitality Association Restaurateur of the Year who serves as wine consultant for Blackstone Caterers.
Presenters will include Banfi Vintners, Bodega Catena Zapata, Constellation Wines, Empson Selections, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Greenvale Vineyards, J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines, Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island, Moet Hennessy USA, Nestle Waters North America, Newport Storm Brewery, Newport Vineyards & Winery, Sakonnet Vineyards, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Treasury Wine Estates and Frederick Wildman & Sons Imports.
Reservations are $45 for enthusiasts and $100 for connoisseurs, and corporate sponsorships are available. For more information, to donate an item, or to make a reservation visit www.salve.edu/srugift, contact (877) SRU-GIFT or e-mail advancement@salve.edu.