The event, a benefit for Naugatuck Youth and Family Services, takes place at 5 p.m. Sunday, September 20, at Carmen Anthony's Fishhouse, 757 Main St. South.

Sponsors may still donate to the event. Those who become sponsors receive two tickets to the event. Those seeking additional information on sponsorship may call Jane Lobdell at 203-720-5673.

This year's wine dinner is in memory of Shirley Sagendorf who served on the first Naugatuck Youth and Family Services board in the early 1970s.

Her son, Bob Sagendorf of WATR, and his family, are long-time supporters of the organization, said Ms. Lobdell, director of Naugatuck Youth and Family Services.

The benefit is presented by Mountview Plaza Wines of Naugatuck and Liquor and Caymus Vineyards in California.

When the first benefit took place 14 years ago, approximately 25 people were in attendance, said Michael Stein of Mountview Plaza Wine and Liquor. This year, he expects 100 people to attend.

Mr. Stein said that 14 years ago, former Naugatuck resident George Louis, Jr., of Caymus Vineyards approached him and said he wanted to do something to give back to the community.

Mr. Louis wanted to do something that would help the youth in town and the Naugatuck Youth and Family Services was chosen as the recipient of the fundraiser.

The dinner was named after Mr. Louis' parents, Ruth and George Louis, after they passed away. Mr. Louis will attend the September 20 event as a host.

Mr. Stein said the wine dinner is always a fantastic event, with great food in a great restaurant.

"Carmen Anthony's is wonderful," he said. "They bring in hot, quality food to each person. And the wines - Caymus Vineyards provides the wines every other year. Everyone looks forward to it, with great anticipation, when Caymus comes."

Mr. Stein said Mountview Plaza Wine and Liquor gets the wines from Caymus Vineyards; the staff at Carmen Anthony's tastes the wines, then prepares a menu based on the wines.

This year's dinner begins with a 2007 Silver Chardonnay by Mer Soleil. The first course of vegetable, fruit and cheese platters will be served during the reception portion of the evening.

The salad course features baby field greens topped with fresh pineapple, kiwis, Granny Smith apples and goat cheese, all lightly drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

A 2007 Mer Soleil barrel-fermented Chardonnay is paired with caramelized onion risotto and bacon-wrapped scallops as the pasta course. The jumbo sea scallops are broiled and wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon.

The wines paired with the entree course are a 2007 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2007 Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir.

The entree is grilled filet mignon served over a grilled portobello mushroom cap, topped with a creamy gorgonzola sauce with spinach, artichoke hearts and roasted, red peppers.

For the dessert course, the wine is a 2007 Conundrum, paired with a white chocolate and cappuccino mascarpone mousse.

The event also features a silent auction.

"That has become an event in and of its own," said Ms. Lobdell with a smile. "It's become charged, but it's all in a friendly, competitive sort of way."

Examples of items at past silent auctions include artwork, pottery, wines, dinners cooked by Ms. Lobdell and delivered to the winner's home, a Bloody Mary and omelet brunch, dinners at Carmen Anthony's, gift certificates to local restaurants, jewelry and contributions from local theaters.

Money raised from the event benefits programs provided by Naugatuck Youth and Family Services. The organization is the third oldest youth services group in the state, said Ms. Lobdell.

The organization began in the 1970s with the goal of keeping children off the streets.

"It's evolved over the years," said Ms. Lobdell. "Now it's a full, mental health agency for the borough of Naugatuck."

A sampling of services that benefit from the fundraiser are marital and family therapy, individual psychotherapy, psychotherapeutic workshops, drug and alcohol after-care, parent courses and preventative drug and alcohol programs in schools.

Two specific programs offered by Naugatuck Youth and Family Services are From Girls to Women and From Boys to Men.

The program for girls is designed to show alternatives to young pregnancies and marriage and to teach girls how to focus on themselves first.

The program for boys is geared toward 10 to 12 year-old boys who lack appropriate male role models. A male counselor hosts workshops with the boys.

The program was started with money raised from one of the wine dinners, said Ms. Lobdell.

The wine dinner is the only benefit for Naugatuck Youth and Family Services, she said. The money raised from the dinner goes toward the programs offered by the organization, so taxpayers are not taxed for 100 percent of the organization's programs, said Ms. Lobdell.

Cost to attend is $110 per person. The cost for non-wine drinkers is $90 per person. Dietary restrictions are accommodated. For men's attire, jackets are requested.

In-person registration at Mountview Plaza Wine and Liquors, 727 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck, is preferred.

Past and some current sponsors of the benefit have included Naugatuck Savings Bank, Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan, Mary Elizabeth Mannweiler, Linda and Michael Mayfield, Coldwell Banker Realty 2000 and the Rev. and Mrs. Marston Price.

Those seeking additional information may call Michael Stein and Terry Boyd at 203-729-5445.