NEWS/PRESS
NEWS/PRESS

AUTUMN ELEGANCE FALLS UPON SOBOBA

◆ By Mike Hiles

Thanks to the generosity of the Soboba Foundation, the 27th annual Autumn Elegance will once again introduce guests to some of the best food and wine in the San Jacinto Valley and beyond. The philanthropic arm of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians will host this year’s event at the new Soboba Casino Resort Event Center.

Presented by the Hemet-San Jacinto Exchange Club and Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation, the extremely successful and much anticipated evening of food and beverage tasting will take place on Nov. 2 from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

“Autumn Elegance is recognized as one of the premier events of the year,” said Dean Wetter, Executive Director of the Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation.

Traditionally capped at 600 guests due to venue size, this year’s larger location will allow for more vendors and mingle room for more visitors. About 20 eateries will be on hand for tasting of their signature dishes and more and a dozen wineries will be represented, offering tastes of their finest. There will also be a beer garden.

“The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians has supported Autumn Elegance the majority of the 27 years,” said Tom Wilson, Autumn Elegance Committee Chairman. “Friends of Valley-Wide and the Hemet-San Jacinto Exchange Club appreciate the tribe’s support of this event and other programs.”

Aside from the semi-formal, over 21 evening of fun it also benefits the local nonprofits. The Hemet-San Jacinto Exchange Club offers many youth projects and scholarships throughout the year and the Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation provides scholarships for families who cannot afford the cost of having their children play sports through the many programs that Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District offers for all ages. Funds also help with building and expansion projects of Valley-Wide facilities.

“Autumn Elegance came about when a member of the Exchange Club attended a similar event and brought the idea back to the Hemet-San Jacinto Exchange Club. The community support over the years has been heartwarming and the growth has allowed the event to move from the Hemet Valley Mall to the Country Club at Soboba Springs and now to the outstanding new Soboba Casino Resort,” Wilson said.

Organizers expect a great turnout and tickets are available at the door and online at www.friendsofvalleywide.org.

 

(Courtesy of Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation): Food and beverage vendors will offer great tastings at the 27th annual Autumn Elegance on Nov. 2 at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center.

(Courtesy of Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation): Food and beverage vendors will offer great tastings at the 27th annual Autumn Elegance on Nov. 2 at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center.

(Courtesy of Sergio Alonzo Gonzalez): Great food and drink will be on hand for the 27th annual Autumn Elegance at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center on Nov. 2.

(Courtesy of Sergio Alonzo Gonzalez): Great food and drink will be on hand for the 27th annual Autumn Elegance at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center on Nov. 2.

(Courtesy of Sergio Alonzo Gonzalez): Wine will be flowing at the 27th annual Autumn Elegance, taking place at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center on Nov. 2.

(Courtesy of Sergio Alonzo Gonzalez): Wine will be flowing at the 27th annual Autumn Elegance, taking place at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center on Nov. 2.