The Wine Thief Tasting Gala To Support Tinley Park GiGi's Playhouse

FRANKFORT, IL — A wine tasting gala organized by The Wine Thief of Frankfort and to be held at CD& ME will benefit the Tinley Park chapter of nonprofit GiGi's Playhouse.

Owners of The Wine Thief, located at 6 Elwood St. in Frankfort, have set the bar high for fundraising, aiming to bring in $8,000—nearly 25 percent more than funds raised by the event in previous years.

"You may have figured out already, a 25 percent bump is no easy feat," TWT owner Ed Thelen told Patch, "and we plan of using our event sales to help get us to our event goal. This is the first year we have been able to roll a portion of ticket sales into the fundraising efforts, and we hope this will provide the necessary boost."

The event is set for Sunday, May 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. at CD&ME, 23320 S. LaGrange Rd. Tickets range from $42 to $84 and can be purchased online.

The local chapter of GiGi's is one branch of a national network of Down syndrome support and education centers. The organization's, no-fee programs, and positive energy help support thousands of families every single year, according to a company description. All ages, from prenatal to adults, are welcome.

"The positive and uplifting environment of GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park will empower those with Down syndrome to reach their highest potential," a description reads. "Our global message is acceptance. If you believe in a kinder and more accepting world for everyone, GiGi’s Playhouse is the place for you. If helping kids and adults pursue their education and wellness is important to you, GiGi’s Playhouse is the place for you."

Thelen selected GiGi's Playhouse as the recipient after witnessing its impact.

"The work done at GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park is not only essential in allowing the members of their community to live the most fulfilled life possible. but is done so without any out-of-pocket cost of the individuals that attend their program," Thelen said.

Thelen highlighted a former employee's experience with GiGi's. The team member attended GiGi's, and her mother also provided speech therapy services to its members, Thelen said.

"Our passion to be an agent of inclusion and fostering the most comprehensive life experience for individuals with Down syndrome runs deep at The Wine Thief," he said.

The Wine Thief has worked since its 2020 opening to support local nonprofits. Previous beneficiaries have included the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association, Lions Club of Frankfort, the Lincolnway Education Foundation, Love for Maggie, and My Joyful Heart.

"The Wine Thief will be contributing a portion of all ticket sales, like we have done for previous benefactors, to help reach our goal," Thelen said. "Beyond that, this year we are contributing a portion of all sponsorships to the fundraising goal."

Wines offered at the gala will mostly originate at small, family-run wineries that produce wines responsibly and practice organic winemaking, Thelen said.

Featured wines will come from California, Oregon, Boudreaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhône Valley, Piemonte, Tuscany, Sicily, Spain, Australia, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, and more. Brands will include Hendry Ranch Wines, Elk Cove Vineyards, Bedrock Wine Co., Grgich Hills Estate, Bodegas Pinuaga, Klinker Brick Winery, Margerum Wine Company, Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke, E. Molino Winery, Venge Vineyards, Vietti, and Gehricke Wines.

GiGi's Playhouse will also be on-site at the event, raffling off gift baskets donated by supporters. GiGi's staff is currently accepting donations to create raffle baskets for this event. Items can be purchased off the organization's Amazon WishList. Any items should be delivered directly to the facility, 15954 S. Harlem Ave., care of Leigh DuMais by May 12.