By STEPHANIE BEACH
Jeffie Lynch-Jones, village president of Honor, wrote with kudos to the National Coho Festival Committee, volunteers, supporters and attendees.
'The 42nd annual festival was a wonderful event in Honor shared and enjoyed by many," Lynch-Jones wrote. "There are many, many people who helped make this endeavor a success -- behind-the-scenes folks who do it just for fun or to be supportive of their community, family and friends. Great ideas (and) great fun for all. Thanks to all of you for your hard work and vision."
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The wine and conversation flowed between guests, local winemakers and a master sommelier at a new wine and food fundraiser for the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.
The foundation provides information, financial assistance and emotional support to families throughout the state affected by leukemia, lymphoma and related blood disorders. Since 1952, it has helped nearly 11,000 Michigan families.
"Crush Walloon," at the Walloon Lake Inn, was hosted by chef/proprieter David Beier, who prepared and donated gourmet appetizers. Sixty invited guests from the Petoskey area enjoyed the rare opportunity to interact with Larry Mawby of L. Mawby, Bryan Ulbrich of Left Foot Charley's, Chris Guest of Peninsula Cellars and Lee Lutes of Black Star Farms, who all donated the wine featured for tasting. Master Sommelier Ron Edwards of Five Star Sommeliers in Charlevoix was honorary sommelier.
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Residents from all over Benzie County rallied together to fight cancer by participating in the Relay for Life of Benzie County.
The 24-hour event was held at the Elberta Waterfront Park and gave participants and spectators an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who have lost their battle against cancer, and to fight back against a disease that has taken too much from too many. It raised more than $50,000 for the American Cancer Society's on-going programs of research, education, advocacy and service.
The American Cancer Society and the Benzie County Relay for Life committee would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who gave their valuable time and hard-earned money to make the event successful and the Village of Elberta for again allowing the event to be held at the beautiful park.
Donations still can be made to the Relay for Life of Benzie County by visiting www.relayforlife.org and clicking on "Find Relay Events." Planning also is under way for the 2009 event. For details or to participate, call Mary Lynn Robertson, 947-0860.
