GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- A taste of Italy is coming to Grand Rapids on Friday.
Noto’s Old World Italian Dining on 28th Street is hosting a charity wine festival featuring more than 300 wines from across the world.
“Friday night Lori’s Voice has been invited to the Noto’s Italian Restaurant charity wine and we’re really excited because we’ve never done this before,” Lori Hastings of Lori’s Voice said.
Noto’s is pairing up with Lori’s Voice and four other charities for their bi-annual wine fest.
“Chef will be doing fresh mozzarella and there will be a salmon and seafood station and there will always be something with pasta because you’re in our house here,” Owner Joann Noto said.
Rick Westgate of Palm Bay International says it will be an educational experience.
“I tell guests and customers exactly everything they need to know about the wine,” he said.
Lori’s Voice provides help with equipment and resources for children with neurological, muscular or any other degenerative diseases.
“It’s all things that we take for granted, but Dave and I understand because we’ve been there and we just want to give back and we feel we’re at our best when we’re giving,” Hastings said.
She’s living with limb girdle muscular dystrophy.
“About four weeks ago I had no use of my hands, I could talk for about five minutes and then my speech got all garbely. You couldn’t understand me. My husband, who I’ve been married to for 31 years, basically took care of all my needs,” Hastings said.
She recently experienced what she can only describe as a miracle.
“My smile is back, my hands are back; I pray a lot, I don’t deserve this but I do know it’s a miracle and I’m just very, very, very grateful,” she said.
It’s a reminder of what this charity event is all about.
Wine Fest VIP tickets are $100, with $50 going to charity, general admission is $60 with $10 going to charity. VIP begins at 6 p.m., general admission begins at 7 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at Noto’s or online.
