Members of the Cincinnati Bailliage met at the family farm of Vice Chargé de Mission Clint and Jean Haynes on August 8th, 2020 at 4PM for a much needed break from the pressures of the coronavirus pandemic. This is always one of the most anticipated events of the year due to the gorgeous country setting, outstanding cuisine, and a silent auction which generates money for worthy causes. The event was set up as a dine around where each person in attendance brought an outstanding bottle of wine to share throughout the evening.

Members were greeted by Bailli and Chambellan Provincial George Elliott and his wife Jeane where temperatures were taken and masks as well as social distancing were encouraged. The event took place under a large tent on the Hayne’s property in rural Indiana. This year we were pleased to have Chargée de Presse des Etats-Unis Renee Wilmeth, Midwest Bailli Provincial Greg Wallis, and Dame de la Chaîne Betsy Wallis as our guests from the Indianapolis Bailliage.

Assorted cheeses, meats, and mussels prepared by Chef Rotisseur/Bronze Star recipient Pat Gaito, were paired with some of the lighter, cooler wines which were perfect on this hot summer day. This was followed by a superb main course including two 40 pound lambs and two 30 pound suckling pigs painstakingly prepared by Chevaliers Dan Morrow and Shannon Read with assorted side dishes from Mr. Gaito. Throughout the evening, Vice Conseiller Gastronomique Chuck Hong added his expertise to the scrumptious offerings and the Haynes topped off the event with their homemade vanilla ice cream complete with toppings. Entertainment was provided throughout the event by guitarist Conner Poole.

During the event, members placed silent bids on fifteen auction lots containing wine left over from events throughout the year. Proceeds totaling $ 5,480 were raised for the “Helping our Friends Fund” to assist local restaurants in their survival during the pandemic. All in attendance were unanimous in their praise for the generosity and hard work of Clint and Jean – especially under these trying times. What a way to take a break from the pandemic if only for an evening!

Graig Smith, Vice Chargé de Presse