If live entertainment plus food, art and wine in a beautiful setting sounds like the recipe for a fun night, check out the Art & Wine Heist, to benefit the Columbia Animal Shelter. The event will be held on Friday, Oct. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at River's Edge at Long Level, 1829 Long Level Road, Wrightsville.

"People can expect a fantastic evening by the water," said Tammy Jalbert, executive director of the shelter. "(They will have) a chance to bid on different medias of artwork from photos, drawings, paintings, stained glass, wood carvings and more. There truly is something for just about everyone." All art is donated by local artists, both amateur and professional, she noted.

Hors d'oeuvres prepared by John Wright Restaurant will be featured, and Duane Slaymaker will provide live music. The "wine heist" portion of the evening will offer an opportunity to participate in a fun game, Jalbert said, explaining that participants will pay one price to choose a random bottle of wine from a table. "Each bottle will be covered in bags, so that supporters will have no idea which wine they're pulling," she remarked. "The bottles will range in price, so depending on their luck, attendees might walk home with a bottle that's priced significantly higher than what they paid."

All proceeds from the Art & Wine Heist will go toward the purchase of equipment for the animal shelter's veterinary clinic. "We are looking to purchase X-ray and ultrasound equipment," Jalbert commented.

She noted that community support for the event has allowed the shelter to continue its mission of serving animals in Columbia. "This is our fifth annual Art & Wine Heist, and the generosity of the artisans in this community continues to be just beyond what we could dream," she stated. "This event would not happen without the continued support year after year."

Event sponsors include Murray and Donegal Insurance Group. The venue is donated by River's Edge at Long Level. Kleen-Rite Corp. will donate beer. Wine will be donated by M&T Bank, and the entertainment will be sponsored by Legacy Law. "Our event sponsors and donors who make this event happen are the best," Jalbert remarked, "and we are most appreciative."

There is still time to donate art for the event, Jalbert said, noting that the deadline for donations is Wednesday, Oct. 5. The deadline to purchase tickets for the Art & Wine Heist is Thursday, Oct. 20. To purchase tickets, stop by the shelter at 265 S. 10th St., Columbia. For more information, call 717-681-6858.