The 4th Annual Sip n Shop event is set to be one fabulous day of shopping, eating, and sipping! As a part of the Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown weekend on April 4 and 5, Sip n Shop brings together local vendors and winemakers in an effort to raise money and awareness for Alaqua Animal Refuge. The Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown has raised over $1.6 million since 2011 for Gulf Coast charities and last year alone, the Throwdown raised over $826,000.
The Sip n Shop is held Friday, the day before the cook-off and brings together wine makers, food, and local businesses, designers, and artsits. This year, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a main sponsor of the event, which is being held in the bay-front LeCiel ballroom from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Local businesses set up shop to bring the best in town right to the participants as they sip champagne and wine. Chef Jay Kirwin, Executive Chef at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will prepare a three-course farm-to-table meal for the guests to enjoy while lifeguards and firemen accompanied by puppies grace the runway in a very unique fashion show.
Winemakers Mike Haney from Black Dog Cellars and Seth Cripe from Lola will be at the event personally pouring their respective wines. Mike started Black Dog Cellars in 2009 to provide customers with world-class wines that celebrate and reflect their passion and enthusiasm for family, friends, wine, food and life. Mike is an avid animal supporter and Alaqua is the chosen charity of Black Dog Cellars in Northwest Florida. Seth Cripe started Lola in 2008 and prides himself on making approachable wines that everyone can enjoy. Seth is an animal lover who branded his winery and product after his own dog, Lola.
Throughout the event, ladies will stroll the ballroom, wine glass in hand, to browse a variety of products and services from local businesses including local designer Nicole Paloma, 2012 Artist of the Year, Andy Saczynski, Destin Jewelers, Sirens at the Beach lingerie boutique, Sarah Carolyn Jewelry, Botox on-site by Dr. Wiebe of Santa Rosa Beach Dental, chair massages by Regatta Chiropractic and Laser Center, Pure Barre, Pish Posh Patchouli’s, and more.
The silent auction at the Sip N Shop is going to be loaded with some of the best items around, including a beautiful beach cruiser valued at $700 from Big Daddy’s Bike Shop, a bonfire on the beach from Grayton Beach Catering, a family portrait session by Steve Wells Photography, tons of gift cards to local shops and restaurants, and much much more.
Everyone loves to Sip n Shop, so why not do it for a great cause? Join Alaqua for a beautiful day you won’t forget! Your support allows Alaqua to save more animals, expand its facility, and create educational programs to benefit the community.
All proceeds benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge. Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. The private, nonprofit animal sanctuary is committed to serving the Emerald Coast as the premier no-kill refuge, providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need, a full-service animal adoption center, and is a peaceful, proactive animal welfare advocate through educational outreach and community programs.
Link to purchase tickets: https://www.alaquaanimalrefuge.org/sip-n-shop/register
