DAYTON — Paula Baker put it best by putting it bluntly.

"Great food, wonderful wine, all you can eat and all you can drink — what's not to like?" said Baker, of Beavercreek, one of nearly 2,000 people who raised their glasses and filled their plates at the 17th annual Fleurs de Fete at Carillon Park on Sunday, May 18.

"Oh!" Baker hastened to add, "It's a great place to watch people, and let's not forget that all the money goes to a good cause!"

The rain-or-shine event pulled out another beautiful day, though most of the action took place under a huge tent, where 25 area restaurants provided food and more than 300 wines were available for tasting.

Dave Weide, of Beavercreek, was one of the volunteers helping make the Wellness Connection fundraiser a success. His wife, Lynda Weide, vice president of corporate and community wellness for Wellness Connection of the Dayton Region, is a driving force behind the popular event.

"I think it's important to note that all the food and all the wine here have been donated," Weide said. "All of it.

"And people get their money's worth, I think," he said. "The price ($65 at the door, $60 in advance) is a lot less than other events just like it — some start at $100."

Mark Singler, of Indianapolis, was to be in town visiting friends who insisted he attend.

"I was planning to go home tonight, but I'm not sure my designated driver will take me that far," he laughed. "This is one of the most beautiful fundraisers I've been to — the park is gorgeous and the wine and food just keep coming. It's perfect."

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