LOUDONVILLE, NY - Siena College's 20th Annual Festa Vino Food and Wine Festival held October 10 in the Marcelle Athletic Complex raised a total of over $70,000, reaching the second-highest total in the event's history. Half of the net proceeds benefited the Saints Alive! Athletic Fund - the primary fundraising arm for the athletic department which impacts all of Siena's coaches, student athletes and their programs – with the other half benefiting special needs of the college.

"Festa Vino and its continued growth and success is a true community effort at Siena," said Assistant Athletic Director for Development Paul DiLello. "Diane Benson and Eileen Verno from our Events Team did an outstanding job once again working tirelessly to coordinate the support of the 25+ area restaurants and handling ticket sales. Hats off to Craig Allen from All-Star Wine and Spirits, who was responsible for the creation Festa Vino 20 years ago, who works diligently to attract the finest wine vendors from throughout the country to participate and enhance the event."

The amount raised at this year's event represents a 40 percent increase from 2018, and the most money raised since the 2012 edition brought in approximately $75,000 in honor of Siena's 75th anniversary.

The event featured food samplings from 23 of the Capital Region's finest eateries, paired with some of the world's best wines and included one local brewery.

Siena student athletes and coaches were heavily involved with the event, assisting in numerous capacities. The Saints aided with the set up and break down of Festa Vino, assisted vendors at their stations and served as greeters and interacted with supporters.

"We are blessed to have the continued support of our athletic department staff, especially Heid Speer, whose work behind the scenes is invaluable, our head coaches and most importantly, the assistance provided by our student-athletes," DeLello added. "They do everything from helping with set-up, welcoming guests, selling raffle tickets, assisting at the food and wine stations, and clean up at the end of the night.  Without them, this event would not become the success that it has!"