In The News - April 2002

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The Magazine of Santa Clarita, April 2002

Article: Wine, Women and Song at Aqua Dulce Vineyards

The Magazine of Santa Clarita is proud to be a sponsor for the Betty Ferguson Foundation’s April 14 wine tasting event at Agua Dulce Vineyards to raise funds for its many programs helping women and youth in the Santa Clarita Valley. Tickets for the event, which begins at 1:30 p.m. and runs until 5 p.m., are $35.

Guests will enjoy wine crafted by award-winning Winemaker Jim Yerkes, who began his career in France in 1974. A graduate of the University of California at Davis and a professional member of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture, Jim enjoyed a storied career on the cutting edge of tremendous growth of the California wine industry. His prestigious list of winery experience includes Charles Krug, Stag’s Leap, Sebastiani, Glen Ellen, Zaca Mesa, Sonoma Creek and Round Hill, as well as noteworthy smaller producers such at Chatfield, Graeser, Ledson, Rusack, Silkwood and Smith-Anderson.

At Agua Dulce Vineyards, Jim is responsible for determining precisely when each varietal is to be harvested, and when the wine is ready for release. He crafts each wine according to specific criteria, often combining small percentages of complementary varietals to achieve a taste that exhibits integrity as well as a style characteristic of all wine that carries the Agua Dulce label.

In addition to wine, the event will also feature assorted cheeses, crackers, fruit, and fare from An Affaire Extraordinaire. Because of caterer Gail McCroskey’s culinary expertise, creativity and attention to the smallest detail, An Affaire Extraordinaire is one of the most popular catering companies in town. Gail is as well known for community service as she is for her entertaining savvy, having donated her time and services to charity functions all over town such as A Taste of the Town, the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, and The Betty Ferguson Foundation.

Gail’s beautiful food arrangements will be punctuated by a special, custom-created ice sculpture by award-winning sculptor Gary of Creative Designs. Having sculpted ice masterpieces for over 18 years, custom designs are Gary’s specialty. He is well known and admired for his crystal-clear designs and carved pieces for motion-picture and television premieres and celebrations.

Entertainment will be provided by Blush, a talented pop/R&B group of exceptional young artists. Its members consist of girls from Santa Clarita: Danielle Cabral, 17; Jenna Zuccari, 16; Nikki Kilker, 16; and Bianca Collins, 13.

This quartet of high-energy, wholesome and multitalented young ladies are singers, songwriters, dancers and play instruments as well. They also put on a terrific live show. Just like they did when they were asked to perform at the United We Stand Fire and Police Benefit concert. Their performance was so well received that the audience requested and received a second set of performances.

Blush is currently in the recording studio recording tracks for their CD, while also rehearsing for their live shows at their rehearsal studio with their choreographer Lani Cupchoy.

You will see plenty of these girls in the future as they have just been asked to perform on the Jenny Jones show in Chicago as well as on the hit NBC sitcom “Just Shoot Me.” They are also entertaining offers from MTV, Blockbuster, Nickelodeon, Disney and Radio Disney. BLUSH is also set to make numerous appearances in several national Teen Magazines.

The Betty Ferguson Foundation was established in December, 1998, in response to a growing need for an organization to support and promote the personal and professional growth of women and youth.

Almost four years ago, the founding members of the Betty Ferguson Foundation joined together with a simple idea and a lot of passion, to see women and youth discover who they are and all that they can be. Betty Ferguson Foundation operates at a high level of commitment through education specialized programs. They offer training and motivation through seminars, workshops, book clubs and monthly meetings. They provide speakers, host fundraisers and give financial support to CALWORKs/New Horizons programs at College of the Canyons, Single Mothers outreach and the Santa Clarita Valley Pregnancy Center, as well as other local nonprofit organizations.

Future plans include having a center that will provide mentoring programs in photography, pre- and post-production (film), pre- and post-production (music/sound), set decoration, costume design, dance, “domestic engineering,” and practical financial education.

Agua Dulce Vineyards is located at 9640 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce, CA 91390.