A rare opportunity to hoist a few at the hospital
June 14, 2009
Many is the time when I've been in Edward Hospital that I have thought "This place needs a good saloon."
After all, since the rooms in the heart hospital remind you of those in a good hotel and there is a player piano tinkling in the lobby along with a bunch of comfy chairs, all that is missing is a tastefully appointed bar.
But, alas, the place is dryer than Arizona and lush is only a word that can applied to the foliage in that restful little garden off the main lobby.
So when my wife pointed out to me that the Edward Foundation was sponsoring a wine tasting to be held in that lobby last Thursday afternoon, I decided I had to be there.
Not only did the twenty buck admission fee, the raffle and the silent auction benefit the hospital's Care Center, but after all these years it was my first chance to raise a glass at the hospital.
It was also an opportunity to multi-task. I slipped in a quick blood test while I was there. It's always good to dance with the girl who brought you.
So I got my finger pricked and bandaged on the same floor -- after carefully requesting that the nurse use the hand I didn't write checks with -- and wandered over to pay my entrance fee.
The wine bar -- by Peterson Spirits & Fine Wines of Naperville -- had five reds and five whites, small samples of which were served up by earnest young women who said things like the shiraz is "going to have a little bit of a chocolately note to it."
There were a lot more women than men at the event, making me think a beer tasting and a sausage bar would even the chromosome score.
After sampling four or five of the wines, I went to the silent auction tables -- always a bad idea after wine.
Some of the items consisted of lacrosse gear. I didn't bid on any of it, figuring I could hurt myself seriously with a lacrosse stick.
Next it was on to the hors d'oeuvres table, which as neatly divided by the food that was good for you (cheese, berries, melon) and food that was not (enough pastries to stock a French bakery).
All in all, it was a rare and pleasant way to spend some time and lift a glass at Edward Hospital.
The event aided the hospital's Care Center, which helps children, teens and special needs adults who have been, or are suspected to be, the victims of sexual abuse. For more information about the program, call 630-527-3288 or e-mail program coordinator Nancy Salamie at nsalamie@edward.org.
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