A lot of press releases cross my desk in any given week, but one that arrived last week really caught my eye.
The event described in the release will take place tomorrow night in Ontario, Calif., and thanks to the good folks at Korbel Champagne Cellars, it not only will be memorable, it will be festive.
Here are excerpts from the release:
Toasts of Korbel California champagne will be plentiful on October 29th, when Community Cupid treats 15 men and women of the United States Armed Services—including troops who served in Iraq or Afghanistan—to a free dream wedding and reception at the Ontario Hilton Airport Hotel.
The wedding and reception will be the high points in a full day of activities created to show appreciation to those who safeguard America’s freedom.
Begun in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, Community Cupid includes hundreds of businesses, community leaders and volunteers from throughout California, all of whom are contributing to this special day. The event will serve as a model for other groups throughout the United States to honor their returning soldiers and sailors in a similar manner.
“Korbel California champagne is all about life’s celebrations, and these nuptials will be an especially joyous celebration,” noted Gary Heck, President and owner of Korbel Champagne Cellars. “Our military men and women sacrifice much to serve this country, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to show our gratitude.”
The 15 couples—three each from the five branches of the United States military—will be treated to free wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, tuxedos, hair and makeup, haircuts, limousines and flowers.
A parade of veterans’ organizations, marching bands and honor guards will escort the couples to their wedding venue. The reception and a sit-down dinner—with Korbel Brut, Extra Dry and Sweet Cuvée for the toasts—will follow the nuptials, and the day culminates with live music, dancing and special musical guests.
As you may know, only sparkling wines made in the Champagne region of France are allowed to use the word “Champagne” on their bottles. Korbel has been making sparkling wine for so long—it was established in 1882—that it continues to use the word based on a “semi-generic” provision under U.S. law.
The Heck family has owned the winery since 1954, and whether you agree with their use of the word “champagne” or not, it’s hard to find fault with their role in this very special day for 15 military families.
Cheers to the folks at Korbel, as well as all the other businesses involved in Community Cupid. And double cheers to all the dedicated men and women who serve our country.
