Tasting event to benefit female cancer patients

A wine and cheese tasting event scheduled for Thursday at Earth Fare will benefit an Augusta organization that offers support for women diagnosed with cancer.

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"It's a really good time, and it's always for a really good cause," said Earth Fare's marketing coordinator, Melanie Neal Smith.

Proceeds made from the evening will be donated to The Lydia Project, a nonprofit organization that gives hand-made tote bags, along with prayers and words of encouragement, to women who have cancer.

The event will take place inside the Martinez store, 368 Furys Ferry Road, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. About 15 wines and a variety of cheeses, all from Earth Fare, will be available for sampling and purchase, Smith said.

The Lydia Project is Earth Fare's "Friend of the Month" in July.

"We're very grateful to Earth Fare," said Amy Breitmann, a co-founder and the director of development for The Lydia Project. "They've been such a great partner and supporter of many charities."

The Lydia Project started about five years ago and served more than 3,900 women worldwide last year, Breitmann said.

"It grew from a small venture to something that's really touching all over the world," she said. "Those proceeds will go directly back into making sure that we can provide support to women."

Smith said that Earth Fare has held several similar benefit events this year, each drawing crowds of between 100 and 150 people.

Admission costs $15 per person or $25 per couple.

"The wine tastings around town can vary anywhere from $25 or $40, up to $60, depending on where you go if it's a paid wine event, so we still think it's a very reasonable and affordable event," Smith said.

For information about The Lydia Project, visit www.thelydiaproject.org. For information about the benefit event at Earth Fare, call the supermarket at (706) 288-3042.