Arts & Entertainment

You Ready for a Throwdown

People Make Sangria for M.S. Research

Tracey Scott won the prize for best tasting Sangria at the first-ever Sangria Throwdown, but the real winner was Multiple Sclerosis research. 

The 2011 Sangria Throwdown was held at the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Elks Lodge with all the proceeds from the event going to Connecticut Chapter of Multiple Sclerosis. About 100 people attended the event and $2,500 was raised. 

"It was really a good time," organizer Karen Guarnaccia,who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, said. 

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The concept for a Sangria throwdown came about a year ago when Karen and Dennis Guarnaccia were having a cookout at their home in Newington. Their neighbor brought over some homemade Sangria and the Guarnaccias were blown away by the drink's flavor. 

But when Karen, who grow up in Rocky Hill, asked for the recipe, their neighbor said it was a family secret and refused. The Guarnaccias decided to challenge their neighbor to a throw down.   

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Word spread quickly about the challenge, so Karen decided that the throwdown would work great as a fundraiser for the Connecticut Chapter of Multiple Sclerosis. The Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Elks Lodge donated the venue, the caterer donated his services and the 2011 Sangria Throwdown was born. 

Over 40 area businesses and restaurants donated raffle prizes for the event. Information was given out about Multiple Sclerosis research and programs. Everyone, who attended the event, received a specialized made wine glass. 

There are over 6,000 people living in Connecticut with Multiple Sclerosis. For more information on Multiple Sclerosis, visit www.ctfightsMS.org


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