Benefit wine tasting to support DAFS

A benefit wine-tasting in support of the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter (DAFS) will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at  No. 3 St. Martin Road in Hattiesburg.

The event, sponsored by Carl's Wines of Hattiesburg, will also include other beverages, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment. Tickets are $50.

According to The Clarion Ledger, the mission of DAFS is to break the cycle of domestic abuse by maintaining a program with a broad base of services and community support as well as local and state involvement.

The event will be hosted at the home of Janet and Walley Caldwell. The DAFS benefit will feature singer Madison Cook for entertainment and beer, wine, soft drinks and food to tingle the taste buds of those who spread holiday cheer for those in need. Janet Caldwell is preparing for the event by cooking all of the food with her husband.

"I think DAFS is an exceptional organization for those in need," Caldwell said. "There's more abuse than we realize. It affects children, and I'm really passionate about kids and making sure they're okay. This event will raise money for a new shelter. A new building is desperately needed because the current shelter house is not adequate."

Carl van Coppenhagen, owner of Carl's Wines, sponsors the benefit so men, women and children of Hattiesburg can be taken care of.

"Although we sponsored the event last year with free wine at BoCo, this year we decided to step up and host the benefit at a private Hattiesburg residence," van Coppenhagen said.

Van Coppenhagen doesn't want the event to reflect his business but wants itto reflect on a good cause.

"The benefit to help out battered men, women and children around the Pinebelt area will raise awareness about these very sad situations," he said. "There are way more people abused than one may think, and every little bit counts."

It's not too late for students, faculty and staff members to purchase tickets for the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter benefit. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Carl is donating the wine, and the Caldwell family is preparing the food and hosting the event at their home. Everything sold will benefit the domestic abuse shelter.

Featured wines include Edna Valley Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Paragon 2009 with a crisp citrus taste, Alamos Torrontes 2010 with an aromatic character, Bridlewood Estate Pinot Noir 2008 for dark fruit flavors and Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato for sweet flavors of red tree fruit and fresh berries.

Food pairings such as oyster shooters, shrimp bisque, meatballs and bon bons will be served with each tasting.

For more information on tickets for this event or about DAFS, call 601-408-3183 or visit http://www.domesticabusefamilyshelter.orgwww.domesticabusefamilyshelter.org.