Signature Cocktail Contest Raises Nearly $6,000 for Barton Memorial Hospital's Level lll Trauma Center

Winter was once-again the theme at the third annual Barton Foundation “Signature” Cocktail Contest on Thursday, September 13 at Riva Grill. The contest drew 177 attendees and grossed $5,900.30 for Barton Memorial Hospital’s Level III trauma center designation. Serving as the official “kick-off” of the four-day Festival of Trees & Lights to be held Thursday, November 29 through December 2 at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa, the contest included mixologists [bartenders] from 10 restaurants around South Lake Tahoe. Contestants created tasty concoctions with Tahoe Blue Vodka and this year’s winner was “The Cukacabra,” created by The Cantina Bar & Grill. The Cukacabra will be served at Barton Foundation’s Annual Gala, to be held during the Festival of Trees & Lights, Saturday, December 1. The Gala is the largest benefit of the four-day-festival, raising nearly $81,000 in 2011 for the expansion and renovation of the Barton Community Clinic. 

Barton Memorial’s Level III trauma center will enable the emergency department and trauma team to evaluate, assess and treat more trauma patients, who might otherwise be flown to a designated trauma center outside the area. The $200,000 initiative will improve the care of trauma patients in the Tahoe basin through improved processes, technology, training and physician oversight.

“Most Congenial Bartender” was voted on by attendees with tips and this year’s winner was Taylor Burns from MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa. Edgewood Tahoe, Embassy Suites, Fox & Hound, Heavenly, Lakeside Inn, LewMar Nels, Naked Fish and Riva Grill also participated in the contest and every “mixologist” generously donated their tips or “votes” to the Level III trauma center initiative.