Spring has finally hit its stride, bringing much-needed sunshine and a full slate of social activities to consider adding to our calendars. One event rising to the top of the must-attend list is CARTI Salute! Set for this Thursday, April 17, it’s a night out that combines a few of our favorite things: a curated selection of wines, local bites and, of course, a great cause.
We sat down with Jennifer Selig, executive director of the CARTI Foundation, for a sneak peek at the third annual event.
Let’s start with the basics. What is CARTI Salute?
CARTI Salute! is a progressive wine and food event set at our flagship campus in Little Rock. Throughout the night, guests will wind and weave through our beautiful gardens as they sip on a curated selection of wines from our friends at Colonial Wines & Spirits and enjoy small plates prepared by local celebrity chefs. Proceeds benefit CARTI’s patient support services, which are designed to ease the cancer journey for our loved ones and neighbors.
What settings will guests be transported to this year?
Our incredible team of volunteers will help us transform the CARTI Cancer Center into wine country, complete with fabulous florals and experiential décor. At 6 p.m., attendees will touch down on the West Coast, stopping in California, Oregon and Washington. Our designers set a high bar in 2024, but they’ve outdone themselves yet again. We can’t wait for everyone to see their vision come to life.
What’s on the menu?
I won’t give away too much — you’ll have to purchase a ticket to see — but I can tell you we have heavy hitters lined up. Participating restaurants include 42 Bar and Table, BCW, Cache, Cheers, Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro, George’s, The Oyster Bar, Park Grill at AMFA, Petit & Keet, Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom, Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort, Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill, Scallions and The Hope Bistro. Each chef will craft their dish to complement the wine from their assigned region.
What do the proceeds benefit?
We often say that CARTI Salute! is a cause anyone can “cheers” to, and it’s true. The event benefits our patient support services, available in person and virtually through The Bridge. These programs are geared toward alleviating stress and enhancing quality of life and include support groups, emotional counseling, yoga, healing arts, healthy cooking demonstrations and more. It’s another example of CARTI’s dedication to walking alongside patients and their families every step of their cancer journeys.
Want to enjoy good wine and delicious food in an Instagram-worthy setting while helping those facing cancer in our state? Us, too. To purchase a ticket to CARTI Salute!, click here.