Press Releases

Thank You to All Who Made “A Sparkling Night: A Midwinter Masquerade” A Smashing Success!

Photo caption: Jenny Menges (Hermann Wiemer Winery, Julia Hoyle (Hosmer Winery) and Dominick Purnomo (Yono’s in Albany) wrestle with the 15 liter bottle of Billecart Salmon.

Photo credit: Ryan Dickson

GENEVA, NY – The Smith raises a glass in sincere appreciation to all those who helped make “A Sparkling Night at The Smith: A Mid-Winter Masquerade” a smashing success! Attendees, decked out in their finest vintage attire, gathered together to celebrate the arts and support the Smith while nibbling on local treats and sipping local wines. The generous help and contributions of dozens of local businesses and individuals made this a memorable evening for all.

The fundraiser featured six Finger Lakes wineries pouring samples of their best sparkling wines. The Smith expresses its thanks to Scott and Ruth Osborne of Fox Run Vineyards, Lisa and Morten Hallgren of Ravines Wine Cellars, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery’s Meaghan Frank, Katie Roisen with Lamoureaux Landing Wine Cellars, Julia Hoyle and Emily Grazier from Hosmer Winery, and Jen Menges of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard. The event would not have been such a success without their generous contributions and support.

Local purveyors were also present to provide edible pairings for the wines. The Smith extends gratitude to Susie Atvell, Chef Max Spittler, and Ashley Coleman from Kindred Fare, Allie Sutherland with FLX Frybird, Rafael Guevara and Erin Ennis of Rio Tomatlan and Ferona, Pete Messmer with Lively Run Dairy, and Bella’s Sicilian with assistance from Thera Clark, as well as CaryMo Chocolates’ Cary Beecraft. The thought and care they put into providing the perfect flavor pairing for each wine was evident and appreciated.

The Smith also offers thanks to Emcee Dominick Purnomo for his endless capacity for entertaining our guests (and sharing his caviar!) and to Anne Buckley for her gorgeous floral arrangements placed throughout the Smith. Kelly Walker provided tech help and vintage visuals to keep the crowd delighted and engaged. Along with Anne, Jen Menges, Mitch Wilber, Nancy McDermott, Maiah Johnson Dunn, Martha Bond, and Vinny Aliperti all spent countless hours planning and schlepping as they pulled this magnificent night together.

“A Sparkling Night at the Smith” is the brainchild of Kelby Russell who never ceases to amaze us with his creative ideas, strong work ethic, good cheer and fine wardrobe. We are so fortunate to have him leading the Smith’s Board.

The event could not have run smoothly without the help of the Smith’s helpful volunteer staff, who spent all evening performing the behind-the-scenes tasks needed to create a glamorous night to remember!

To learn more about events offered by The Smith Center for the Arts visit thesmith.org, or visit or call our box office for phone and in-person sales, 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Friday.

The Smith Center for the Arts, stewards of the historic Smith Opera House, provides diverse arts and educational enrichment opportunities year-round for Finger Lakes residents and visitors. The Smith Opera House is at 82 Seneca St. in Geneva, NY. Please email boxoffice@thesmith.org or call (315) 781-5483. For more information visit www.thesmith.org.
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