Typically at this time of year the House of the Good Shepherd retirement community in Hackettstown is busily planning for its biggest fundraiser of the year – Wine & Dine, a wine tasting and food sampling event that annually attracts hundreds of people and participation from many area restaurants.

Unfortunately due to the coronavirus pandemic, The House regrettably decided to cancel this year’s June event. 

“Obviously we are disappointed but as we all know there are more important things to take care of right now,” said Sue Lanza, CEO at The House. “That’s the safety and health of our residents, our staff, and the community at-large.”

This year, The House will be celebrating the community in a different way.

In any given year, the Wine & Dine, which features a community member who is deemed a Friend of the House, as many as 15-20 restaurants, small and large, participate by donating food to the event.

In a unique giveback to those eateries that have donated their services and food to the Wine & Dine, The House is financially donating back to them, many of whom are struggling to get through the current crisis. 

“They have been so good to us over the years, it only seemed right that we help them out in a time of crisis,” said Craig Stroud, Director of Hospitality Services at The House and Chair of the Wine & Dine committee. “They have been there for us. We need to be there for them, too.”

Each restaurant was given an equal amount. It is up to the individual restaurant as to how they want to use the donation.