On Thursday March 23, 2023, AT EASE Foundation (AEF) hosted its first ever Tequila Tasting event at Mexicali Brews in Branchburg, New Jersey. The event was a huge success, raising almost $19,000 which will be donated on an as needed basis to families of Veterans and First Responders in our local communities. The event was attended by 74 people, many were Military Veterans, Police and Firemen, some were both. Everyone that attended received an AT EASE FOUNDATION logoed shirt and Tequila glass to use for tasting and to take home after the event.
Pastor Scott of Church of the Nazarene in Annandale, New Jersey gave the invocation to start event. Pat Grillo Chairman of AT EASE Foundation did a short overview of how the organization was founded and its mission. AEF is a 501(c)(3) 100% run by volunteers and provides help to those that have sacrificed the most to keep us safe, putting them and their families AT EASE.
Following Pat’s talk the serious eating, drinking, and networking began. There were tables set up where you could speak to representatives from tequila vendors and taste their products. If you found one you really enjoyed, you could purchase it at cost. There were also three Tequila mixed drinks you could try. They were a big hit. While we were drinking and networking, the staff at Mexicali Brews were bringing out delicious appetizers. The stuffed peppers were amazing.
Now it was time to see who was going to win the fantastic raffle prizes that were donated. Sgt. Kenneth Gerhart did the honor of pulling the tickets and announcing the prize winners. Ken’s sisters handed out the prizes. He then pulled the winning ticket for the 50/50 raffle worth $500. Dean Mauro won the money and immediately donated it back. Thank you, Dean.
Next up were four big ticket prizes that were donated by local business leaders. It was decided to have each of the donors get up and do a live auction of their prize. They all did a great job considering they were not aware they were going to be asked to do this. In a nut shell three of the prizes went for $1000 each, one went for “only” $900.
Mexicali Brews finished the evening off with a spread of tacos that were incredible. Oh yes, we continued to drink Tequila.
Special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, Mexicali Brews, and Mia Sabers of Halted Moments who volunteered her time to take some amazing photos of the event.
