To raise money for the Trap Neuter Vaccinate Release Program and cat food, R.E.A.L. Cruzan Cats is hosting a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Feather Leaf Inn, north of Frederiksted, Saturday from 5-8 p.m.
The four-course gourmet vegan meal will be paired with aperitifs, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. One drink will be an island-style Negroni made with Bush Tea Gin from St Thomas, natural sweet vermouth and a choice of three bitters. Natural wines will be paired with each course and fresh bush tea and juices will be available throughout the night, according to Christine Southworth, of RCC.
Guests will be invited after dinner to enjoy a blind bourbon tasting by the pool for those who wish to try different blends.
Throughout the evening, live classical music will be played by clarinetist Evan Ziporyn and classical guitarist Ryan Meyer. They will create a cross-cultural blend of vintage tropical music from Brazil, South Africa, Kenya and the Bahamas.
This is the middle of kitten season and a “purrfect” auction will raise additional funds to help with the unexpected expenses of finding five or 10 newborns every day and also assist in opening the cat sanctuary on the east end of the island.
Auction items include stays at Victoria House, The Buccaneer Hotel, Grapetree Bay Hotel, Cottages by the Sea, a dive trip, a sunset sail, dinner for eight, a Dooney & Bourke leather bag, one-of-a-kind silk scarves and artwork.
Tickets are available through realcruzancats.org for $125 each ($50 is tax-deductible), and Southworth said group transportation will be available, if needed.
R.E.A.L. (Rescue, Educate, Adopt, Love) Cruzan Cats is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, started in 2016. Up until now, the group has placed more than 1,000 cats and kittens, along with several dozen dogs, in homes.
The Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release Program provides traps for community members to capture feral cats that will be neutered and returned to the wild. Because the need in the community is so great, RCC provides more than 500 pounds of cat food monthly to people who cannot afford supplies and to feed several community cat colonies.
