Cancer Advocates to host Winter, Wine and All That Jazz

"Winter, Wine and all that Jazz," a fund-raiser for cancer victims, will be jumpin' and jivin' to the tunes of the Russ Linquist Swing and Jazz Band at the Carson Nugget this January.

A silent auction and raffle will be rounding out the festivities for this "Millennium II" celebration and the organizers, Carson Advocates for Cancer Care, promise a good time for all.

"We will have more space for wine tasting and more tables for guests. Twenty-six vintners are expected to pour, including all the Foothills favorites: loyal friends who for the past five years have donated their choice selections and volunteered their time." co-chairwoman Rita Carman said.

Organized in 1992, this small organization of about 25 local volunteers have banded together to help victims of cancer in Storey, Douglas, Lyon counties and Carson City.

"Our main priority is to raise money to help those who can't pay for medications and doctor bills," Carman said, noting that a lot of elderly patients' insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, won't cover needed medications associated with cancer treatment. Those on expensive medications often must choose between food and medications, so the group pays the medication bills.

Advocates also promote education by getting cancer victims in touch with those who've had experience with the disease.

The organization recently received recognition for its work in the form of a two-year grant of $100,000 per year of tobacco settlement money from the Task Force for a Healthy Nevada.

"Every penny received from the state is committed to patient related expenditures," David Piel, co-chair for the event said, noting the increased funds will mean more responsibilities.

"Our service must be broadened. ... While we welcome the increased responsibility, our need for charitable donations is increased many fold."

Piel was quick to point out that they get a lot of help from the local community.

'We are grateful for the renewed sponsorship of the Carson-Tahoe Pathology Group, Nevada Bell, the Nevada Appeal and the many friends who sponsor advertising in the Gala Program," he said.

This wine tasting gala will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 13. Tickets are $25 per person, which buys wine, light hors d'oeuvres, and a souvenir wine glass. Tickets go on sale Nov. 1. For information, or to help by sponsoring an ad in the program, call Piel at 882-2512.

What: Winter Wine & All That Jazz

When: Jan. 13, 2001, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Carson Nugget, 507 N. Virginia St.