April 10, 2007

The Big Grape Benefits Children’s Medical Care

Sioux Falls, S.D. – April 10, 2007 – The 8th annual Big Grape, premiere wine tasting event, will take place on Friday, April 20, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Avera McKennan Fitness Center in Sioux Falls. The 2007 Big Grape will be the biggest to date, featuring cuisine prepared and donated by 10 local restaurants, a variety of wines from 26 wineries across the country, live music and a silent auction made possible by local donations. All proceeds of The Big Grape are donated to Avera Children’s Hospital & Clinics.

Avera McKennan Children’s Hospital & Clinics is the beneficiary of The Big Grape. This year, proceeds will be used to purchase state-of-the-art pediatric equipment including the VeinViewer by Luminetx. The VeinViewer, which will be operating on display at the 2007 Big Grape, shines a light on to the skin and illuminates veins beneath. Doctors and nurses, who otherwise must rely on feeling for veins, can actually see them with their naked eye. The VeinViewer is especially helpful when trying to start an IV or draw blood from children, making it easier to locate often hard-to-find little veins. The VeinViewer means fewer pokes, and best of all, less tears for children and parents alike. The Big Grape proceeds also help pay for food, lodging, and travel for families – making it possible for parents and siblings to be with a hospitalized child. In addition, amenities will be purchased for children with extended hospital stays.

The Big Grape was started in 2000, and continues to be presented annually by JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars and Republic Beverage Company. The Big Grape is the largest wine tasting event in South Dakota. It offers the opportunity to taste over 200 different wines, some of which are not sold anywhere in the Midwest.

Tickets for The Big Grape are $65 per person.

For ticket information, contact the Avera McKennan Foundation at (605) 322-8900 or go online at www.thebiggrape.com.

If you would like additional information about the VeinViewer by Luminetx, or other ways The Big Grape benefits pediatric patients and families, please contact Kelly Yungbluth, Annual Giving Coordinator at the Avera McKennan Foundation, at (605) 322-8895.