Students living on campus were moving back into their dorms Sunday afternoon, but just across the street, people were sipping on fine wines, listening to jazz music, and celebrating the season – all for a good cause.The annual “Spirits of the Season” event was held Sunday from 3-5:30 p.m. in the Millennium Center.

Beginning in 2005, “Spirits of the Season” is a fundraising event where people come to taste exotic wines, dine on various foods, listen to live music and bid on silent auctions.

Money raised from the silent auctions, as well as ticket prices to attend, went to the American Cancer Society.

“This is the first year that 100 percent of the money raised goes to the American Cancer Society,” said Sara Saj-hussein, an employee with the American Cancer Society, as well as a worker who helped set up this year’s event. “Unlike a lot of charity events, where maybe 70 or 80 percent of the money goes to the benefit, One Stop Wines and Liquors is footing the whole bill, so all of the money raised here goes to the American Cancer Society.”

According to Saj-hussein, preparation for the event began over six months ago.

“Some people love to give to the American Cancer Society so much, so they would actually volunteer to help for free,” said Saj-hussein. “There were probably around 25 volunteers who helped prepare and set all this up, and all together around 100 people helped put this together.”

The event was sponsored by both One Stop Liquors and Wines and the Millennium Center.

A number of beverage companies and distributors were present at the event and had tables set up to let attendees try their alcoholic products.

“I think the whole thing is great,” said Joni Davis of D&V Distributing, a beverage distributor out of Knoxville, Tenn. “Any event that gives to a charity like this is something we like to do.”

“Hot Apple Pie,” a cocktail made of Tuaca, a vanilla liqueur, hot apple cider and whipped cream was a drink for sample, and according to Davis, is a seasonal favorite.

Jerry Brooks, a representative of “Knoxville Beverage Company,” was present at the event offering tasters a number of drinks, including an “all natural” vodka to try.

“One thing that’s great about our products here is that these are pure organic,” said Brooks, showcasing Rain Vodka, a 100 percent USDA-approved liquor with flavors such as “Honey Mango Melon” and “Cucumber Lime.”

Outside the upstairs ballroom was a hallway with items up for bid in the silent auction. Some of the items up for bid included a “crystal golf ball wine stopper” from Bowman Jewelers, a one-night stay in the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, a Mary Kay gift basket and an autographed basketball by Pat Summitt.

Live music was supplied from “The Jazz Doctors,” a band with ETSU’s own Dr. David Champouillon, director of the jazz program.

Despite the impressive showcase of wines, live music, and items for auction, the event still centered on giving to the American Cancer Society.

“This is one of the best venues I’ve ever seen,” said Matt Parton of B&T Distributing Company. “It’s all very elegant, but it’s for a good cause. It’s special to be a part of something like this.

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