Wine & cheese festival

Nestled in the rolling hills, with views of the Kittatiny mountain range, Waterwheel Farm is for many one of the loveliest locations in Sussex County. Owners and event hosts Willard and Jeanette Klemm opened their hearts to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and welcomed over 450 guests to the 32nd Annual Wine & Cheese Festival on Sunday, Sept. 11.
In addition to the Friends of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, the committed group of volunteers that spearhead the event year after year, it gives me great pleasure to recognize and thank the many people and organizations that have made this annual tradition a wonderful success.
The Wine & Cheese Festival has long been recognized for its vast array of wine selections from around the world, highlighting different origins, bouquets and the full spectrum of price points. Randy Burke, Mark Lind and their team at Burke’s Wine & Liquor in Sparta create this impressive display. Randy, who has been essential to this event since its introduction, pulls together many friends, vendors and vineyard representatives to assist guests along their tasting tour.
A much anticipated feature of the day is always the live and silent auctions. At the helm of the live auction was Lakeland Bank’s Ray Cordts, entertaining the crowd and navigating them through the array of eclectic items. Thank you to the many individuals and companies for their contributions of auction items as well as the auction participants for their generous bids and donations to the cause.
My thanks to another tradition, the support of local musicians Jeff Gaynor, Bill Wright, and Kenny Neill and Dr. Fred Van Keuren who shared their time and talent to perform as Smooth Sailin’, setting the relaxing musical backdrop for guests to enjoy throughout the afternoon. Many thanks also to our staff, including Event Manager, Jennifer Smith, for donating their time and talents to helping to make the day such a great success.
In addition to the leadership of Burke’s Wine & Liquor, each year we ask for support from our community leaders to assist in the production of this event. My sincere thanks to Event Sponsors: Lakeland Bank, Regional Cancer Care Associates, Elenora L. Benz, Esq., F. John Ramsey and Ferguson Funeral Homes, Preferred Care at Home, ThorLabs, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Brach Eichler, LLC, Eastern Propane, Home Instead Senior Care, Primerica, Inc., Highlands State Bank, Mohawk Dental, Heath Village Retirement Community, Qualitas Pharmacy, RoNetco Supermarkets, Inc. and Mel Condit Catering.
Proceeds from this 32-year tradition will support Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. As I reflect on the generosity of our community and their continued support of our hospice mission I thank you and the thousands of families who have benefited from your generosity over the years thank you. All funds raised in our community through numerous fundraisers and events stay in the community to help those who need it.
Thank you,
Julia Quinlan
President and Co-Founder
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice