Vineyard House accepts Livestrong Challenge for third consecutive year

 

Local restaurateur Jim Sobell, owner of the Vineyard House in Santa Ynez, is once again taking on the Livestrong Challenge to ride in a 100-mile bike ride in San Jose to raise money for Lance Armstrong’s Foundation for cancer research.

After watching Armstrong win seven Tour de France races and reading his books on surviving his devastating cancer, Sobell became passionate about cycling himself. Untouched personally by cancer, Sobell’s motivation is that cancer touches the lives of us all, and he is proud to support Armstrong’s challenge to fund a cure.

 

 “I knew I had it in me to help support those that either hear the ‘cancer word’ themselves or have friends and relatives that are fighting the disease,” said Sobell.

This is the third year Sobell has taken the challenge. Sobell raised $31,000 the first year, and over $51,000 the second year; he was one of the top 10 fundraisers. This year, Sobell has set a goal to raise $60,000.

This year’s fundraising event at the Vineyard House will be held on May 20 from 5:30 - 9 p.m., with a four-course dinner of raspberry pecan salad, bruschetta, shrimp, smoked salmon en phyllo, goat cheese pastries and selected wines. Entertainment includes magic performed by Ron Bender and acoustic jazz by Mark Owens, as well as a silent auction and raffle and other surprises Sobell will reveal the evening of the event.

 

Call the restaurant directly for a reservation at 688-2886. There is a tax-deductible $100 donation per person, with 100 percent of the proceeds once again going to the Livestrong Foundation. Donations without attending the event can be made by visiting Sobell’s website, http://www.thevineyardhouse.com, and clicking on the bicycle rider icon to make a pledge.

The Vineyard House is located at 3631 Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez.