O

n April 5, Alaqua Animal Refuge hosted its 9th annual Sip N Shop 
at Emeril’s Coastal Italian restaurant in Miramar Beach. The event 
was presented in partnership with the Emeril Lagasse Foundation 
and was one of five fundraising events included in the annual Chi 

Chi Miguel Throwdown Weekend held each spring in support of children’s 
charities in our area. Regardless of the rain, Sip attendees enjoyed a magnificent 
day of tasting a variety of wines from the area. In addition, guests were served 
a delicious 3-course luncheon, hand crafted and prepared by Emeril’s Coastal 
Italian. Attendees enjoyed sipping, socializing, and browsing the curated 
shopping collections. Guests also had fun bidding on some incredible packages 
including unique experiences, travel stays, jewelry, and artwork. A highlight 
of the day was a ‘meet and greet’ with four of Alaqua’s baby goats who were in 
attendance for petting, and posing for pictures. 

Insurance Zone and Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard were the 

sponsors of this magnificent event which raised over $225,000. This annual 
occasion also happens to be one of Alaqua’s signature fundraisers in support of 
the Refuge. Raising funds to support initiatives, programs, and expansion of 
programs such as Equine Interactions, which utilizes unique traits of horses to 
partner with children with certain developmental needs to promote personal 
growth, and children’s education to teach kids to respect lives in all forms.

“I’m continually filled with gratitude for so many people like Valerie, our Sip 

N Shop Chairs Lea and Joe Capers, and the entire Emeril Lagasse Foundation 
for their support as this event has grown,” said Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua 
Animal Refuge.

photos & story by

Zhalman Harris

   VIP Destin at Emeril’s Coastal Italian

!"#$%$!&'#

May 2019   |   39 

Verla Price & Young Kim

Kelly Layman, Angela Ragsdale, Marisol Gullo & Lea Capers

Melissa Mercer Brown & Angel Mabry

Heather Williams & Stephania Crisafulli

Lisa Turpin & Rita Sherwood

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4/25/19   9:56 AM