LONGMEADOW – Longmeadow UNICO’s Annual Food and Wine Tasting is coming back to Springfield on Nov. 2, featuring more than a dozen varieties of wine and offerings from over 20 local restaurants and bakeries.

The Annual Food and Wine Tasting event is Longmeadow UNICO’s largest fundraiser of the year. Since it was chartered in October of 2000, the event has raised funds to benefit programs for educational scholarships, mental health, community support and Italian culture.

In the past, the Longmeadow UNICO has used these funds to provide over $95,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors, support other organizations such as NAMI and Fun and Fitness, provide donations to the Open Pantry and Kathy’s Kitchen, to provide funds to support disaster relief efforts and to host community service events. Last year’s Annual Food and Wine Tasting event raised $6,000, with roughly 250 people in attendance.

“The annual food and wine tasting is a fun way to bring the community together while everyone is also supporting good causes,” Longmeadow Chapter UNICO President Kimberly Roche told Reminder Publishing. “What better way to enjoy a wonderful night then to have some good food and drinks with friends while knowing you are also providing funds for scholarships and local charities.”

From 7 to 9 p.m. at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, event goers will have the opportunity to experience four local breweries, Iron Duke, Berkshire Brewing Company, Scantic River Brewery and Mayflower Brewery, along with Litchfield Distillery providing samples of handcrafted spirits. M.S. Walker Distributors will be providing the wine varieties. For those not interested in the alcoholic beverages, Espresso Time will also be providing fresh coffee throughout the night.

Along with all of the beverage options, attendees will be able to sample foods from the following restaurants and bakeries: Max’s Tavern, The Delany Market, Plan B Burger Bar, Cima, Route 20 Bar and Grille, The Federal, Villa Napoletana, Storrowton Tavern, Michael’s Pasta in a Pan, Chicopee Provision, Amadeo’s Restaurant, Lug Nutz Café, Hampden House, Gio’s Pizzeria, Milano’s Restaurant, Zonin’s Market, Take Five, A.C. Produce, Mama Mia, Peppa’s Pizza, La Fiorentina, Koffee Cup Bakery, Twin Hills Country Club and Pan’e Dolcetti.

The Annual Food and Wine Tasting event will also be host to a silent auction, giving participants the chance to win numerous prizes. Prizes include a night stay at the Delany Hotel, a four pack of golf at Twin Hills Country Club, a free car detail by Balise Collision, gym memberships, gift baskets filled with gift cards and a variety of other items. In addition, as a door prize, at the end of the night everyone in attendance is eligible to win our beautiful centerpieces donated by Frank’s Flowers.

Included in the $35 ticket price, along with samples of food and beverages, is free parking and admission to the Basketball Hall of Fame’s exhibits. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by contacting Jim Maiolo at 374-1548 or Dennis Scibelli at dmscibelli@yahoo.com