LARC’s (Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens) inaugural fundraiser benefiting The Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Misty Morning Barn at Clutch Farms 18810 Misty Morning Lane.

“Butterfly Kisses – A Night of Pouring Generosity” will include a five-course dinner created by celebrated local chefs Mike and Karen Gavala of G3 Catering and Gloria Jordan of La Trattoria Cafe Napoli.

Renowned chocolatier Norman Love of Norman Love Confections will provide handcrafted desserts.  Kellie Burns of NBC-2 will emcee the event.

Tickets are $500 per person.  Patron sponsorships are available for $750 per person and include a 30-minute meet and greet with sixth-generation winemaker Clay Mauritson, founder and owner of Mauritson Wines in Healdsburg, California.

Guests will enjoy gentle breezes flowing through the barn doors, among a backdrop of natural arching oaks, tropical pines, and sun-kissed cypress trees.

Mauritson will pair family-crafted wines with each course.  In 1998, Mauritson produced his first bottling of Dry Creek Zinfandel under the Mauritson label and, in 2002, he began devoting his efforts full-time to the Mauritson Family Winery project.

His winemaking philosophy is simple: You need exceptional fruit to make outstanding wine. About 300 acres of Sonoma County family vineyards and strong relationships built over the years with other growers have given him access to some of the best fruit that Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley, and Rockpile have to offer. Devoted to making exceptional wines, Mauritson is on his way to becoming one of California’s foremost young winemakers.

Her family established the Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund in memory of Carroll-Collins.  A resident of Fort Myers for 35 years, she cared deeply for her community and people in need and led her life by example when it came to generosity and philanthropy. The fund will help bridge financial gaps and allow individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access innovative services offered by LARC.

“Lori was an inspiration to many, as she lived her life to the fullest, despite living with a disability,” said her husband, Marc Collins. “She never saw herself as different and fought for equal access for herself and others. We chose this event theme because the butterfly was an important symbol in our lives; they represent rebirth, transformation, change, hope, and life.  Through Lori’s scholarship fund, we wish to provide all of these things to individuals at LARC.”

“This fund will light the way for people of all abilities for generations to come,” said Angela Katz, interim executive director at LARC. “It will allow individuals with disabilities and economic limitations to access services designed to help them reach their full potential.”

Limited tickets are available.  COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed.

For ticket or sponsorship information, visit www.larcleecounty.org, call Angela Katz at (239) 334-6285 x 229, or email [email protected].