Night of Bourbon and Bidding

VERNON, N.Y. » The Arc of Madison Cortland and Building Futures Foundation will host the second annual Night of Bourbon and Bidding at Vernon Downs Hotel Ballroom on Nov. 4 from 6-10 p.m.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support programs and services for people with autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury and other developmental disabilities.

Classified, Central New York’s premier horn band will perform and welcome special guest, Sujeet Desai. Desai, born with Down syndrome, is an accomplished musician who plays seven instruments: Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, violin, trumpet, piano and drums. He grew up in Fayetteville and currently lives in the Buffalo area. Desai has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times and has appeared on “The View,” “20/20,” “Oprah Winfrey,” WCNY public channels and local TV stations.

Greeley Ford, a founding member of the band Classified, said he is thrilled to share the stage with Desai. “We were taken aback to discover that our band member Scott Rutledge was Sujeet’s first trumpet instructor. This will be a serendipitous performance,” says Ford.

The evening’s live and silent auction will feature more than 120 items including four Walt Disney World Hopper Passes; autographed NY Giants Eli Manning football helmet; Kyle Williams signed Buffalo Bills jersey; seven nights in Paris, France; jewelry; original artwork; a Valentino purse, and NY Giants game tickets.

Tickets are $75 per person and include an open bar, bourbon and spirit tasting by Old Home Distillers, hors d’oeuvres and food stations. Rocky’s Cigars will be rolling cigars and Messier’s Auction Services will present the live auction items. Event details, online ticket sales, and a full list of auction items can be found at www.bourbonandbidding.com or by calling 315-363-3389 ext. 1600.

The Arc of Madison Cortland advocates for people with developmental disabilities and provides a wide range of services: Medicaid service coordination, self- direction brokerage, residential, respite, family support, employment programs, day habilitation programs, clinical services, guardianship, nursing, nutritional counseling, behavioral counseling, physical and occupational therapy and transportation.