Barton Foundation’s 7th annual Cocktails for a Cause

For the seventh year, the Barton Foundation is holding their annual Cocktails for a Cause event on Wednesday, September 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Riva Grill in South Lake Tahoe. Not only will attendees get samples of alcoholic creations made by ten local bartenders, but they'll be treated with heavy appetizers, live music and a raffle.

The main ingredient this year is Tahoe Blue Vodka who donates the alcohol used in all of the drinks. The contest is centered around how each mixologist (bartender) takes the vodka, and then uses mixers and garnishes to create the award winning concoction. Garnishes are always the popular addition to the drinks and have been known to include candied beets, cupcakes, and edible flowers in the past. Drinks are also judged on how well they incorporate the year's cause into either their drink, garnish or both.

The "cause" for this year's event is the expansion of Barton Health’s Cancer Wellness program. Support programs play an important role in battling cancer and improving quality of life for patients as well as their families and caregivers.

“The Cancer Wellness Program is funded by generous donations from our community,” says Kindle Craig, the Barton Foundation’s Executive Director. “Our goal is to expand the services we offer so that our community members affected by cancer can receive a myriad of supportive services to make their journey as healing as possible.”

The “Best Cocktail” is featured at the Barton Foundation’s 25th annual Gala, a black-tie fundraiser at the Festival of Trees and Lights. Attendees are invited to vote for the “Most Congenial Bartender” with their tips while the “Best Cocktail” will be determined by a panel of local celebrity judges based on taste, theme, originality, presentation, and connection to the cause.

The expanded program supported by the evening will address the social, emotional, and functional aspects of a patient’s cancer journey through supportive services, such as massage, exercise, psychotherapy, and nutrition classes. The program will be offered free of charge to community members undergoing cancer treatment.

Tickets can be purchased for $40 in advance and $45 on the day of the event. All attendees must be 21 or over. Tickets can be purchased online at bartonhealth.org/cocktail or by calling 530.543.5784. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available.