The Salt Creek Grille, Rumson, will hold its popular Anniversary Wine & Martini Tasting to celebrate its 15^th annual anniversary and to raise funds for its selected charity for 2013 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties on Thursday, April 18 from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased through BBBS at 732.544.2224 ext. 321. or www.bbbsmmc.org 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to BBBS!

Owner Steve Bidgood started the event 10 years ago to celebrate the popular, award-winning restaurant’s 5^th anniversary. Over $570,000 has been raised since for nine local charities that serve children’s needs.

“We firmly believe that the best way to invest in our future is to invest in our children,” said Bidgood. “We are counting on our community to help us make this our most successful event yet,” challenged Bidgood. “This is always a sold out event so buy your tickets early.”

The name “Wine & Martini Tasting” is a bit deceiving, according to Bidgood, “Realistically it is a food, wine and martini extravaganza with six wine vendors pouring premiere wines, specialty martinis, passed hors d’oeuvres, pasta and carving stations by Salt Creek Grille, plus guest tables including cheeses from Sickles Market and a raw bar by Lusty Lobster,” said Bidgood. Radio personality, Big Joe Henry of NJ 101.5, who has been the event’s auctioneer since its inception, will once again auction off many exciting live auction items and several will be unique experiences not to be found anywhere. The Bobby Boyd Trio will provide live music.

In January which is National Mentoring Month, Salt Creek Grille and BBBS will kick off the event with a flag presentation on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 4:30. The flag bearing the BBBS logo will be flown from Salt Creek Grille’s prominent location all year to further public awareness of the mentoring organization. Bidgood takes this opportunity for representatives of BBBS to introduce its mission to the staff members at Salt Creek Grille.

Another important part of the kickoff for Big Brothers and Big Sisters will follow on Sunday, January 27, 2013 with a workshop by Executive Chef Bob Belt who will demonstrate how to make an omelet for the “Littles” who with their Big Brother or Sister were selected by the agency to participate.  Salt Creek Grille’s head server will then show them how to properly set and clear a table. After the demonstration, the Bigs and Littles will then be treated to a delicious Sunday Brunch at the restaurant.

The Mission of BBBSMMC is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

“We are truly grateful to Salt Creek Grille for choosing our agency to benefit from their event this year and for the opportunity to raise awareness about our 1:1 mentoring program.  With the support of the community, we can provide more children with a caring mentor who can provide them with guidance and friendship” remarked William Salcedo, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. BBBSMMC is a donor-supported, volunteer agency that is currently providing mentoring to over 500 children and the agency is funded through individual gifts, grants and special events. 

 “Ever since we opened on April 15, 1998, we have used our restaurant as a vehicle to benefit local charities that serve children’s needs,” explained Bidgood. “It’s our way of thanking the community we serve. We believe the business community has an obligation to do what they can, and then do a little more, to help dedicated charities like BBBS carry out its mission,” he added.

This year the “then do a little more” certainly applies to Salt Creek Grille as the building and grounds suffered extensive damages caused by flooding from Hurricane Sandy. This was the first time in 15 years that the site was flooded by the Navesink River. Lusty Lobster, one of the donating vendors, also suffered damages that closed it for several weeks.

“Congratulations to Steve and the entire Salt Creek Grille staff for 15 years of constantly giving back to the community through their annual fundraising campaign. I’m proud of them for their efforts in paying it forward. Way to go! I remain your biggest fan!” – Big Joe Henry – New Jersey 101.5 FM