Prepare your taste buds and grab your wildest Derby hats for the most "galloping" party in townthe tenth annual 'Run for the Roses' Wine Tasting benefiting the children of Sandhills Children's Center!

Celebrate the 135th Kentucky Derby the day before the famous race at the Fair Barn in the Village of Pinehurst amidst amazing wines, great food, live music and unbeatable company, all on behalf of some very special children. The 10th annual wine tasting will be held Friday, May 1 (today) from 6 to 9 p.m., and is made possible by the incredible donation of wines by Classic Wines, a division of Mutual Distributing Company. As in previous years, they will offer an assortment of selections from various California and European wineries.

To complement the wines, an assortment of local favorite restaurants have generously offered to prepare samplings of their favorite specialites, including Ashten's, Chef Warren's, Elliott's on Linden, Coach Light Trattoria, 195 American Fusion Cuisine, Little River Golf and Resort, Rhett's Personal Chef & Catering, Goldie's Gourmet, Wolcott's and Sweet Fi's Cakes.

Wachovia Securities of Turnberry Wood, in its third year, is the Champion Sponsor for the event. As part of their generosity, each guest will have the opportunity to take home a keepsake gift commemorating the 10th year of the wine tasting. An exciting addition to this year's event is the Kober Investment Group VIP Tasting Tent. In the past, patrons enjoyed premium wines on the balcony of the Fair Barn. This year, all sponsors and premium ticket holders will be able to enjoy a greater selection of the finest wines in the spacious addition.

In addition, the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room will be at the Fair Barn the entire evening to take orders for any wines anyone might choose to purchase. Again, they have generously offered to donate a percentage of the proceeds from any purchases made that evening only, back to Sandhills Children's Center.

The entire evening and all its tempting treats is just $50 per person for general admission or $75 for premium admission from which proceeds will benefit Sandhills Children's Center, a private, nonprofit developmental day school for children ages birth to 5, with and without special needs. With the community's volunteer and financial support, the Center provides physical, speech and occupational therapy, class instruction by state-certified teachers, transportation, meals, and an abundance of love and nurturing to over 400 children, 12 months of the year.

For additional information regarding tickets and sponsorships, contact Teresa Copper or Kathy Desmond at Sandhills Children's Center at 692-3323 or www.sandhillschildrens center.org.