A Popular Fundraising Signature Event returns in person to Katy Saturday, November 7, 2020 with safety measures in place and a broad selection of wines at a new venue.
For those who are dining out in area restaurants at distanced tables table with servers wearing face coverings and gloves and surroundings sanitized constantly, then they will feel right at home in the new format of Katy Sip N Stroll.
Here’s why they'll feel comfortable…Sip N Stroll has been modified to have people go through the entire experience in their own reservation group – distanced from others they don’t know. It’s the same as eating out at a restaurant. And it’s with the people you choose to surround yourself with in your own group.
· 40 experience stations widely spaced with exhibitors wearing face coverings and distanced
· Rotation system in reserved groups going through the experience stations so each guest will get to experience all the offerings in their safe group
· Event Monitors to make sure everyone is following safety protocols – and are having fun!
Constance McDerby, Founder & Co-Producer states “Sip N Stroll was created to raise funds for The Ballard House and funding is needed especially now. We had to find a safe way to move forward to help generate the funding they depend on from Sip N Stroll.” McDerby went on to explain that she and co-founder hubby, Clifton have worked long and hard to keep the 20-event tradition of wine appreciation and celebration through Sip N Stroll. “We take safety very seriously as evidenced by our 15-page safety protocol manual implemented at all events. Like dining at a restaurant, we know that social distancing and socializing can safely occupy the same space and that attendees will continue to have new wine and culinary discoveries and experiences,” added McDerby.
The event has moved to a new venue, The Ark by Norris, next to Geico, behind Amerant Bank at 21402 Merchants Way, Katy, TX 77449. Newly opened, The Ark, owned and operated by Norris Conference Centers, has the surrounding outdoor areas in addition to the beautifully remodeled event center, allowing ample space for widely separated exhibitor displays.
The fall Sip N Stroll will feature an auction and wine pull benefiting The Ballard House. Guests can make a donation to the wine pull and may be the lucky one to get a high-dollar wine for their enjoyment. Other auction items are available for bidding just in time for holiday gifting.
ABOUT SIP N STROLL AND FOOD & VINE TIME PRODUCTIONS
Sip N Stroll will celebrate the 20th edition event in fall 2020. Food & Vine Time Productions is the region’s leader producer of culinary, wine and craft beer lifestyle and education events. Starting with Wine & Food Week, produced by Food & Vine Time Productions, which is the first multi-day, multi-faceted, comprehensive destination culinary and wine event in Houston Metro and the first nationally to promote locally sourced and sustainable products. Wine & Food Week has always been committed to elevating Houston’s culinary scene which it has supported since 2005, showcasing the incredible diversity and culinary talent in Houston.
Owners Clifton and Constance McDerby are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and health of Houstonians by educating the novice to the aficionado on wines and diverse dining encouraging locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients, an early pioneer in the Eat and Drink Local movement. Food & Vine Time Productions created another first with the state’s first multi-day craft beer destination and educational event featuring over 300 craft beer selections. Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival has been named #3 beer event in America by USA Today and #1 in Houston by Houstonia Magazine. Food & Vine Time Productions also produces Wine Fair Cy-Fair, Zest in the West, BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival, Houston Chronicle Culinary Stars, Tomball’s Freight Train Food Truck Festival, the newly launched Six Foot Social and a myriad of private events for various clients.
Since its inception in 2002, Food & Vine Time Productions has assisted in raising well over $2 million dollars for local charities through live and silent auctions and cash donations.
ABOUT THE BALLARD HOUSE, THE BENEFICIARY:
A 501c3 organization, Cinco Charities® Inc. was founded in 2006 by a group of Keller Williams Premier Realty agents and has provided “a home away from home” for hundreds of patients and their caregivers since its inception. The organization has continuously extended their commitment to those in need by providing no-cost housing at The Ballard House, meeting the growing needs of patients coming to the Katy/West Houston Medical Center for treatment for life-threatening illnesses. The patients and their families have traveled to Katy from 27 different states, and 45 Texas cities and rural communities. Although they come from as far away as Poland and Canada for their treatments, The Ballard House is truly “home” to those in need. Dr. Gregory Chronowski, Associate Professor of Radiology Oncology at MD Anderson’s Katy Cancer Center said that “if it were not for Ballard House, a number of my patients would not have been able financially to come for cancer treatment and probably would not have lived."
“The Ballard House is a symbol of the warm and welcoming spirit of Katy’s community,” said Kathy Alt, Ballard House Executive Director. “The need for housing assistance has exploded the last couple of years. Now is a critical time to support The Ballard House as we are daily answering the need from West Houston’s growing medical community by providing patients and their families free lodging and other services so they can concentrate on receiving their treatment."
The Katy Sip N Stroll, presented by Kroger, is one of Cinco Charities major fundraising events to support the operating costs of The Ballard House. Enthusiastic participation in the auction provides proceeds to directly benefit The Ballard House mission, and is greatly appreciated by attendees.
