View Finder: Malverne Toasts to Community

With a sip of a chardonnay, a blush or a savignon blanc, Malverne residents were transported to the beautiful vineyards of the east end of Long Island without stepping foot out of their little village.

Dozens of locals filled the Friday night for the Malverne Civic Association's wine tasting event, titled "An Evening of Good Taste."

Beautiful white fabrics hung from the ceiling, a live band set the mood and each taster carried around their signature, keepsake "Malverne" glasss as they sampled some of the best wines from Long Island.

For hours, they  mingled with neighhors throughout the beautifully-decorated hall, snacked on decadent cheeses, dips and a chocolate fondue fountain and then headed to the dance floor to show off their moves. (One gutsy resident even took over the microphone for a few songs to entertain the crowd with his vocals. See video.)

Besides providing a venue for residents to come together and have fun, the event also raised funds to support other projects and programs that the civic hosts throughout the year.

"All the money we raise goes back into the community," said Christian Gourdin, the Civic's Event Director.

In addition to ticket sales, the group also collected money from selling chances to win various raffle prizes donated by the local merchants.

After the band played their final song and the last glass was poured, the crowd dispersed to their homes, some to Connolly's, but all left with big smiles, a new appreciation for their tight-knit community and a special addition to thier glassware collections.

Check out the photo gallery above.