Excitement is brewing for the first “Mocktail” Tasting fundraiser on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Real Art Ways in Hartford. The recovery-friendly event, hosted by the nonprofit organization A Promise to Jordan, is challenging restaurateurs and bar owners from across the state to show off their best non-alcoholic cocktails and compete to be named the best!
With just six weeks until the big event, the list of participating restaurants and vendors is growing:
Abigail’s Grille & Wine Bar
Athletic Brewing Company
Better Rhodes
Da Capo
Iron Horse Pizzeria & Sports Pub
Relish This!
Roux
The North House
“We are grateful for those who have already signed on and encourage other restaurants to take the opportunity to showcase their mixology mastery,” said Lisa Gray, Founder and Executive Director of A Promise to Jordan (APTJ), a nonprofit organization committed to fighting substance use disorders. “With State of CT gathering restrictions eased, we anticipate hundreds of guests, but will certainly remain within any guidelines in place at the time.”
To get the party started at home, Gray is sharing her own favorite non-alcoholic beverage that is refreshing, light, and delicious!
Ginger Lime Rickey
Pour equal amounts of ginger beer and your favorite flavored seltzer over ice in a tall glass. Top with equal amounts of lime juice and grenadine.
The event will take place outdoors from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the art gallery located at 56 Arbor Street. The charitable competition is expected to draw hundreds of guests to taste the mocktails and appetizers, partake of the silent auction and raffles, and enjoy a great night out. If gathering restrictions are still in place, the event may be a mix of in-person and virtual or be completely virtual, if necessary. Virtual guests will receive a mocktail kit to make three delicious drinks at home by following along as the vendors mix the recipes live. In-person tickets are $45 and virtual tickets are $35. Rain date is May 14. For more info or to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-mocktail-tasting-tickets-128952519457.
Gray notes that there is no fee for restaurants or bars to enter and that the nonprofit organization is even covering the cost of their temporary food permits.
The evening is made possible thanks to the generosity of many fine businesses such as Wayfinder Consulting, an organization of professional consultants who help their clients meet their full potential academically, professionally, and personally. Custom sponsorship opportunities are available to meet the unique marketing needs of each business, organization or individual by contacting info@apromisetojordan.org.
“We are also accepting auction and raffle donations such as gift cards, gift baskets, decor items, jewelry and fashion or gourmet treats. We'll even pick them up!” said Gray.
Proceeds will benefit the organization that is dedicated to raising awareness about substance abuse, eliminating the stigma of addiction, assisting people in accessing quality care, and giving hope to those struggling with substance use disorders and their families that recovery is possible. Gray created A Promise to Jordan after losing her then 24-year-old son, Jordan Arakelian, to an accidental overdose in 2018.
“A Promise to Jordan wants to reach young people before they are in the grips of addiction,” explained Gray. “With the current opioid crisis, America is losing thousands of valuable lives every month. In 2019, over 1,200 lives were lost to overdoses just in Connecticut. Because of the restrictions imposed by COVID-19, the numbers for 2020 are expected to be as much as 25% higher.”
About A Promise to Jordan
A Promise to Jordan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit named for Jordan Arakelian who died from an accidental opioid overdose on June 30, 2018 at the age of 24. Founded by his mother, Lisa Gray, the mission of A Promise to Jordan is to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma of addiction, assist people in accessing quality care and give hope that recovery is possible to those struggling with substance use disorders and their loved ones. Visit apromisetojordan.org for information and resources, or call (860) 390-1391.
PHOTO: The Ginger Lime Rickey mocktini will be one of many alcohol-free beverages prepared and served at the “Mocktail” Tasting fundraiser on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Real Art Ways in Hartford. The event benefits A Promise To Jordan, a non-profit that raises awareness about substance use disorders.
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