The Central Florida Animal Reserve took a walk on the wild side in July with a very special new fundraising event, Vintage Vino “Goes Wild”, bringing together the community for a night of fine wine, artisan cheese, and fierce advocacy for the care of big cats.
Held July 25 at Vintage Vino in downtown Kissimmee, the sold-out event invited guests to sip, sample, and support CFAR’s mission of Compassion, Conservation, and Commitment. Attendees enjoyed five curated wine and cheese pairings, a gourmet charcuterie spread, non-alcoholic beverage options, and a ticket for a future walking tour of CFAR to meet their majestic residents—including lions, tigers, and other big cats who now call the Reserve home.
“This is a new event for us, and we are excited that Vintage Vino opened their doors for our members and guests to experience great wine, cheese and future visits to meet our big cats out at CFAR,” said Dr. Simba Wiltz. “This is a great opportunity for our guests to learn more about our big cats, and volunteer staff all for a great cause.”
Vintage Vino owner John Siudut guided the wine and cheese tastings, infusing each pour with insight and pairing suggestions, while CFAR staff shared personal stories about life at the Reserve and the importance of their work.
In addition to tastings and stories, a silent auction added another layer of excitement to the evening, featuring donated items and experiences to benefit CFAR’s mission. Guests were also encouraged to schedule their upcoming CFAR tour, included with their ticket, for an up-close experience with the organization’s feline residents. The fall is a great time to come out and tour the big cats, enjoy the cooler weather, and support CFAR’s mission all at the same time.
For those who missed the event or would like to support CFAR further, sponsorship and donation opportunities are still available by visiting www.cflar.org. The organization is a 501(c)(3) charity run by dedicated volunteers, serving as a permanent home for big cats who cannot be released into the wild or placed in traditional zoos.
For more event information or future updates, visit CFAR’s website or follow them on social media @CFLARBigCats.
