Usually in the spring, TAS staff and board are prepping the details, inviting philanthropists and eagerly anticipating the fundraising event known as Picco e Vino (Italian for ‘peaks and wines’). In its third year, the event features a wine-paired, five-course meal that’s enjoyed while listening to presentations from peak-bagging athletes about an outdoor adventure (some who’ve received a TAS Peak Achievement grant to support it). Kit Deslaurius, Lucas Onan and Anna Soens have spoken to captivated audiences about obstacles and triumphs while climbing Everest, completing the JH Picnic with the use of only one arm and becoming the first person with paraplegia to climb and ski Mt. Baker, respectively.
This year everything is different because of the coronavirus quarantine, so TAS is adapting like its name promises. It is bringing the event to supporter’s homes with chef-curated, wine-paired takeout. A wine-paired lasagna dinner (literally) delivered a huge success earlier this month achieving half of the TAS spring fundraising goal.
A second eat-at-home effort is underway now and seeks people who love good food and wine who also want to support a good cause. ‘Everyone’s a Winner Chicken Dinner’ features Calico’s famous Bar Chicken and Caesar salad for two with a special order Italian red or white wine. Donors can pick the meal up on May 29 in Jackson, Wyo. at Rendezvous River Sports or at Calico in Wilson, Wyo. TAS volunteers are happy to deliver to keep the guests safe and cozy, but still involved.
Everyone benefits from both fundraisers (hence the name of the chicken version): TAS gets a donation from each purchase to support programs that provide outdoor opportunities for kids, adults and veterans with disabilities; everyone has the opportunity to support favorite restaurants and their workers; and diners get to know how much they are helping the community by eating a family dinner!
Always optimistic, TAS hopes to invite you to the annual Picco e Vino in-person event at Caldera House slated for July 6! Until then, folks can help support TAS and the partnering organizations by ordering a wine-paired Bar Chicken dinner here.
