Kick off the Derby weekend early with a night at the Fair Barn in the village of Pinehurst.

Sandhills Children’s Center, in partnership with Kober Investment Group, presents the 11th annual Run for the Roses wine tasting Friday, April 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Kentucky Derby-themed event, benefiting children with disabilities served by Sandhills Children’s Center, offers partygoers an opportunity to indulge their taste buds with an assortment of selections from various California and European wineries provided by Classic Wines/Mutual Distributing Co. and hosted by Peter Zahran.

Local chefs from from Ashten’s, Chef Warren’s, Coachlight Trattoria, Elliott’s on Linden, Goldie’s Gourmet, Little River Golf Resort, Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club, Rhett’s Personal Chef and Catering and Sweet Fi’s will be on hand to serve their specialties. The April Fools will fill the barn with their old-time string band music reminiscent of Kentucky bluegrass.

“Upon entering the Fair Barn, you will be swept away by the glorious architecture of the historical building and the elegant décor in true Derby fashion provided by the generous donations of The Fresh Market, and Gloria McLean and Kathleen Ford of Pinehurst Event & Wedding Rentals,” says Kathy Desmond, director of development. “The transformation of the Barn is a result of the hard work of a very dedicated committee of volunteers.”

In addition, Robyn James and her talented staff from the Wine Cellar and Tasting Room will be on hand for the entire evening to accept special orders on the wines offered throughout the night at discounted pricing. The Wine Cellar has offered to donate a percentage of the proceeds from sales generated at the wine tasting and throughout the month of May.

The entire evening and all its tempting treats is just $50 per person for general admission or $75 for premium admission. Sponsorship opportunities range from the $300 level of a Belmont Stakes Sponsor to the $2,500 level of a Triple Crown Sponsor.

All Run for the Roses sponsors will receive recognition per sponsorship level on signage at the event. In addition, the sponsorships include premium admission tickets to the VIP Tasting Tent and pre-selected wine packages by Peter Zahran of Classic Wines.

Throughout the history of Run for the Roses, many committed individuals and businesses have contributed significantly to its success as sponsors, guests and volunteers.

“Over the past 11 years, the Run for the Roses Wine Tasting has blossomed into one of North Carolina’s most celebrated wine and food events,” says Desmond.

All proceeds from the wine tasting will benefit Sandhills Children’s Center, a private, nonprofit developmental day school organization whose mission is to provide services of the highest quality for children with and without special developmental needs, ages birth through 5. The geographic range is far reaching in a five-county area in south central North Carolina with two campuses located in Southern Pines and Rockingham.

The Children’s Center provides specialized services to more than 400 children each year, some with chronic illnesses, such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other developmental delays.

“Currently, the cost of care per child with disabilities in our program exceeds $60,000 per year. Private donations are essential in the continuity of care for our young students and enables Sandhills Children’s Center to provide physical, occupational and speech therapy, class instruction by state certified teachers, transportation, meals and so much more,” says Melanie Gayle, chief executive officer.

“Don’t miss out on the most ‘tasteful’ event of the spring. Tickets are limited, and they are going fast!” says Teresa Copper, special event coordinator.

For more information contact Kathy Desmond or Teresa Copper at (910) 692-3323 or visit www.sandhillschildrenscenter.org.