Pull the Cork wine event raises $160,000 to benefit Lee BIA Builders Care

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Jan. 19, 2024 - PRLog -- Pull the Cork, an intimate evening of wine and giving, has raised $160,000 to support Lee BIA Builders Care in granting life-changing projects for local families in need of emergency home repairs.

An exclusive event held on Jan. 13 at The Forest County Club, Pull the Cork brought the "best of the best" boutique wines and gourmet food for a four-course seated dinner, wine tasting with renowned vintner B. Wise Vineyards and auction. A selection of wines from B. Wise Vineyards' award-winning portfolio were poured by Kurt Boldt while educating guests on all aspects of the wine. The tasting was artfully paired with a four-course menu by Chef Drew Tait of The Forest Country Club followed by a live auction with a selection of rare magnum wines up for bid.

A highlight of the evening included a spotlight on the Dillard family, Fort Myers homeowners in desperate need of home repairs ranging from plumbing to electrical work and more. Myrtle and Joseph Dillard have lived in their home for 33 years, where they care for their daughter and twin granddaughters. The elderly couple face health concerns and are unable to afford the necessary repairs for their home, which pose serious safety and accessibility issues for the homeowners who both require wheelchair access.

During the event, local construction company Stevens Construction stepped up to donate services valued at over $40,000 to cover the full cost of the project, helping to ensure the Dillard family can live safely and comfortably in their home. Rather than remodeling to fix the necessary repairs, Stevens Construction committed to an entire home rebuild. In the coming months, Stevens Construction and Builders Care will partner to demolish the dilapidated structure to begin rebuilding a new, accessible home for the Dillard family.

"Pull the Cork was an evening that overflowed with generosity, and we are grateful for all who gave their time and financial support to help us provide life-changing services to elderly and disabled homeowners in need," said Crystal Stouten, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care. "We extend our heartful thanks to the Stevens Construction team for stepping up to complete this critical project for the Dillard family, as well as the many other generous supporters who are enabling us to provide more homeowners with safer, accessible homes."

Pull the Cork was presented by LSI Companies. Additional sponsors include Busey Bank, Sage Communities, Rist Family Foundation, Priority Marketing, Ken Sneeden & Associates, Pavese Law Firm, Huether, Christopher Alan Homes, Stevens Construction and Morris-Depew Associates.

To learn more about Builders Care and its mission, visit LeeBuildersCare.com.