GEMS TO HOST VIRTUAL WINE AND CHEESE

Greenwich Emergency Medical Service Inc. (GEMS) is hosting a virtual wine and cheese fireside chat fundraiser Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. All proceeds will help support the staff who work on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Event participants will receive a “Tasting-In-A-Box” and hear from Josh Cellars Wine founder Joseph Carr, sommelier Theo Rutherford and cheese monger Lydia Caspari from Arethusa Farm. The Tasting-In-A-Box includes three bottles of wine from Josh Cellar Wines, cheese, charcuterie and chocolate box from Marcia Selden Catering.

“We have had successful fundraising events for the past three years and we didn”™t want to lose momentum because of the pandemic,” said, Tracy Schietinger, GEMS executive director. “Our staff is on the front lines every day and this event will help raise critical funds to ensure that we have the proper equipment”¦.”

Tickets begin at $200 for two adults, and with a Lifesaver Ticket at $350 GEMS staff will use an ambulance to deliver the Tasting-In-A-Box to participants”™ homes. In addition to tickets, GEMS is hosting an online silent auction and opportunities for people to donate to the lifesaving work it provides to the residents of the town of Greenwich.

GEMS began operations in 1986 as an independent, nonprofit organization providing emergency medical services pursuant to a contract with the town of Greenwich. GEMS pays for all of its capital needs through fundraising efforts, thus saving the town more than $10 million since its inception.

To purchase tickets, bid the silent auction or donate, visit Gems2021.givesmart.com.