On Thursday evening, June 7, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Fresh Market is presenting a wine gala for the benefit of the Carolina Philharmonic orchestra and organization.

Local residents interested in enhancing the quality of musical education in Moore County have the unusual opportunity of knowing that every dollar of their $25 ticket goes directly to the beneficiary.

Though their primary mission is to bring healthy food to its customers' tables, the Fresh Market is generously sponsoring this event to restore a measure of health to the local schools' mission of delivering a quality musical education.

David Michael Wolff has pursued an ambitious educational goal since he arrived in Pinehurst and founded the Carolina Philharmonic more than two years ago.

In addition to offering many of the finest classical and popular musical events in the region, Wolff committed himself and his organization to supplementing musical education in the local schools, whose budgets for arts and music have been slashed during the economic downturn.

In founding Conservatory International last year, Wolff began what is destined to become an international program of encouraging and cultivating young musicians through high quality training and the financial assistance needed to realize their goals.

Those who were fortunate enough to experience the recent "Salute to Broadway" had a taste of the first fruits of Wolff's efforts. Several youthful singers from West Pine Elementary joined the Carolina Philharmonic chorus in the suite from "The Sound of Music," while some of their older peers from other local schools took first and second chairs in the violin and other sections of the orchestra.

Three or four future Toscaninis and von Karajans - ages 5-7 - even took over Wolff's conducting duties.

"To ensure more progress for Wolff's programs in supporting budding musicians, everyone is welcome to visit the Fresh Market, sample the fine delicacies provided, and taste the 40 to 50 selections from among the finest wines our nation has to offer," says a spokesman.

Musical entertainment will supply a sound track for the evening's festivities.

Tickets may be purchased at the Philharmonic box office (5 Market Square, Pinehurst), the Fresh Market or at shop.carolina phil.org.

For information, call (910) 687-4746.