SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Heather Pratt can think of only one thing better than sipping wine and sampling some of the finest cuisine the bay area has to offer while the sun sets on the picturesque Mobile-Tensaw Delta: knowing her indulgence will benefit local families struggling to make ends meet.

Marilyn King, executive director of Catholic Social Services, Archdiocese of Mobile, said the agency’s fourth annual Wine Festival returns to 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort Oct. 21. Proceeds provide direct aid in the form of emergency assistance, whether it be toward paying rent and utilities or prescriptions, food and clothing, she said.

Pratt, who remembers living paycheck to paycheck when she was recently widowed with two small children more than 20 years ago, said the wine festival’s mission holds a special place in her heart.

“It seems like a lifetime ago, but you never forget what it’s like to have to ask for help. Knowing that this little thing I’m doing might help somebody get through a difficult time in their life is my way of thanking God for the help He made available when I needed it most,” she said.

The three-hour event begins at 5:30 p.m. with two tax-deductible ticket options available.

Regular tickets cost $50 each and provide access to all tastings of food from some 20 area restaurants and more than 80 wine selections. For an additional $20, patrons can purchase “premier” tickets allowing access to wines retailing upward from $50 per bottle. The premier tasting room will be open only from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

A silent auction will be conducted featuring more than 25 premium wines.

The 2009 event generated more than $32,000.

“It really is a relaxing event with people wandering around (the complex), and for some people it’s their first trip out here,” said Hank Burch, manager of 5 Rivers.

King said families in danger of becoming homeless or having utilities cut off when income has been interrupted via job loss, major medical or vehicle expense or other traumatic events creates a loss of self-sufficiency.

The Catholic Service Center, she said, helps “put them back on their feet and regain self-sufficiency.” 

Want to go?

What: Catholic Social Services’ Wine Festival

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 21

Where: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort

Cost: $50 for standard tickets and $70 per access to the “premier” tasting room

Tickets: Available at Gourmet Galley, www.gourmetgalleys.com or 251-343-3555; Red or White, www.redorwhitewine.com, 251-478-9494 in Mobile or 251-990-0003 in Fairhope; or call 251-434-1550.

For more information visit www.servicecentermob.org.