Edesia 2021 – Wine Country Inn Gives a Big Check

During a year and a season when others thought “it couldn’t be done”, Edesia: A Culinary, Wine, & Spirits Adventure raised a record amount of funds – $49,000 – for MarillacHealth at its April event. Richard and Jean Tally, owners of the Wine Country Inn in Palisade, and daughter Ann, presented a check in that amount to Kay Ramachandran, Marillac’s CEO, at the June 23rd meeting of the Marillac Board of Directors.

“Edesia is a labor of love for us,” stated Jean. “We have personally witnessed what your good hands can do for others and we want to support that.”

Edesia is a fundraiser begun over a decade ago by the Tallys, as they realized healthcare was unaffordable for many, even and including those who worked one and two jobs. They wanted to do something significant that supported the services Marillac provides, and that also brought recognition to Palisade and its businesses. With Edesia, the Wine Country Inn serves as the hub that brings chefs, vintners, brewers, and distillers together with people and guests who spend an afternoon treated to a culinary and beverage adventure.

“Every year Edesia is more memorable than the previous year! The Tallys made sure this year was no different. We know that many folks were disappointed that we couldn’t accommodate as many at the scaled-back event, but hope they will return in 2022. We appreciate the generous support of all of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors who made Edesia the most financially successful yet,” said Ramachandran.

The Tallys were quick to point out that this event is successful because so much is generously donated by the chefs, vendors, artists and entertainers, graphic designers and website managers, to name a few. “It truly does take a village to raise our boats,” continued Jean.

Profits from Edesia benefit the mission of MarillacHealth: to provide a wide scope of primary health care services to all Mesa County residents regardless of income or insurance status. Marillac has been providing health care services – medical, dental, and behavioral – for Mesa County individuals and families in need for the past 33 years.

The Tallys were happy to present the check on behalf of the presenting sponsor, FCI Constructors, as well as Alpine Bank, Peach Street Distillers and SCL Health/St. Mary’s Medical Center. Media sponsors were KKCO 11 News, The Vault 100.7, Magic 93.1, The Business Times, Eagle River Associates, and Susan Rhyne/Suzi Productions.