What time does the event start?
The event starts at 7 pm; however, if you arrive early the silent auction will be open by 6 pm for guests to look through.
The wine stations will be taken down at 10 pm.
Do you provide Safe Rides Home?
Yes, through our partner Sedan on Demand. They will be available at the front entrance to The Factory, adjacent to the information desk. You can also contact them to make arrangements to be dropped off at the event – call: (615) 254-4600.
Dress comfortably, as if you were going out to dinner at one of the Franklin area restaurants. As is the charm of Middle Tennessee – some folks will be in sequins, others in jeans. We will point out that The Factory at Franklin is concrete throughout, so perhaps those new spike heels should not be debuted at our event.
I’m attending a Vintner’s Dinner. What do I wear to that?
Most attendees for our Vintner’s Dinners are business casual to smart casual. Dress as if you were attending the restaurant on any other night with your significant other… and also know you will probably have your photo taken at some point during the night.
Do you eat first before attending the Grand Tasting?
We recommend yes, something light. Our exhibiting restaurants offer a wide array for tasting… but the majority of the items lend towards heavier and richer foods. Your stomach might thank you if you start out having enjoyed a grilled chicken sandwich or light salad.
Do you provide Designated Driver tickets?
Yes, for $35. They will receive a plate at event check in but no glass.
How much are regular tickets?
$89 in advance, $100 at the door if the event does not sell out.
I want to give tickets as a gift. Do you have paper tickets?
Yes, we do. You will need to come to Big Brothers Big Sisters offices at 1704 Charlotte Avenue in Nashville for purchase and pick up. You call call Helen Demestihas at (615) 522-5665 to confirm.
Do you sell tickets at the door?
Yes, if the event does not sell out in advance. Door sales are $100 each – and we accept cash and all major credit cards.
What about those people I see in special laminated credentials?
They are representatives of our many corporate sponsors of the event. For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact Helen Demestihas at (615) 522-5665 or events@mentorakid.org.
No, all attendees need to be 21 and older.
Is the event handicap accessible?
Yes, we are. Be aware that certain areas the traffic flow can become quite congested, but all areas are accessible via wheelchair.
The Factory has ample parking surrounding the facility. We offered valet parking for convenience two years ago, but hardly anyone used it, so we won’t be doing that again.
Please note that if you are thinking you may use a safe ride home, parking in the east lot under the free-standing roof is the location of the Franklin Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning. Cars parked in those designated spaces will need to be moved by 2 am or they will be towed. All other parking is 24 hours.
Yes, we do. The auction will close at 9 p.m. and be ready for check out at 9:15 pm. If you leave the event and are the winning bidder, you will be contacted the following week by event volunteers and can pick up your item at Big Brothers Big Sisters offices at 1704 Charlotte Avenue in Nashville.
Bidding for our auction is done via smart phone or online, visit www.501auctions.com/FranklinWineFestival for details.
Does the event have vendor booths?
Sorry, no, we don’t. We simply don’t have space to accommodate our guests, 300 wines and 30 restaurants to allow for vendors. We suggest you donate a package to our silent auction, and include brochures about your business for guests visiting that area to take with them. We are happy to display those alongside your item.
Are tickets refundable if I can’t make it?
No, sorry, they are not. This is a charitable fundraising event and refunds cannot be given.
How will I know what wines are where?
At check in you will be given an event program that lists all the wines and restaurants, and includes a map so you can navigate your taste buds.
What if I love a certain wine?
You’re in luck! All wines featured in the Franklin Wine Festival are on sale the next day at Cool Springs Wines & Spirits, 1935 Mallory Lane in Franklin. Stock up and save!
What if I want to volunteer?
It takes over 250 community volunteers to successfully execute this event each year. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Helen.Demestihas@mentorakid.org or call (615) 522-5665.
Can I make a donation to a team?
Yes. You can make a donation to a fundraiser on a team or you can make a general team donation.
Where should I mail donation checks?
All donations should be mailed to:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN
1704 Charlotte Avenue, Suite #130
Nashville, TN 37203.
Who should I make my check out to?
Please make all checks payable to: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN.
Please make sure that in the memo it says Franklin Wine Festival and who the donations should be credited to.
How do I find a participant's personal fundraising webpage?
Click on the home page and begin typing the first or last name. Your options will display as you type.
How quickly can I expect an online donation to post to a participant's fundraising account?
Any donation made online should post immediately. If an online donation does not post within 5 minutes, please
contact us.
What happens if I check the checkbox to "cover processing fees"?
If you check this checkbox, you will be charged the amount indicated next to the checkbox. This amount will also be visible to the non-profit. However, on the fundraising page, your intended - initial donation amount will be displayed.
Are donations tax-deductible?
All monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
For Canadian donations made online with a credit card, will the amount entered be in U.S. dollars?
Yes. For Canadian donations made online with a credit card, the amount entered in the online donation form will be in U.S. dollars.
Do all donors who mail their donations receive a receipt?
Any donor who mailed their donation and provided an address will receive a receipt via mail once the donation has been processed. If you made your donation in installments, you will receive a receipt each time a monthly payment is processed.
Do all donors who contribute online receive a receipt?
Yes, anyone who donates online, regardless of the amount, will receive a receipt via email.
What is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN's Tax ID number?
A Tax ID number identifies Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN as a 501(c)(3) non-profit Organization. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN Tax ID number is 23-7056024
How do I add a dedication when I make a donation?
When you make a donation online, you can designate what you want to appear as your recognition name on the participant's Honor Roll. This may be your name, or it could be something such as "From the whole Wolf family" or "in memory of Aunt Cathy."
What can I do if a check is written out to me personally?
If a donation check has been written out to you personally, you may endorse the back of the check and mail it in with a completed donation form to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN.
Can I mail in a cash donation?
It is not a good idea to send a cash donation in the mail. You may drop off the cash at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN along with your information or you can deposit the cash into your checking account and send a personal check from your account.
How quickly can I expect an online donation to post to my page?
Any donation made online should post immediately. If your donation does not post within 5 minutes,
please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN.
Can I enter a check online?
You can't enter a check online. What you can do is enter a check as a pledge. This can be done in the fundraising section of your headquarters page. The status of the check will be pending until the check is received by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN.
A donor is requesting a Tax ID number; what is that and how can I get it?
A Tax ID number identifies Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Many donors will request this number to validate their donation as tax-deductible. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN Tax ID number is 23-7056024.
Not all of my donors are showing up in the Honor Roll. Why?
As your donors make a contribution, they have the option of whether or not they want to appear in the Honor Roll.
Where can I find a list of the people who have donated to me?
Log in with your email and password to visit your headquarters page. Select ‘My Fundraising Report on the left side. You will then find a list of all of your donors as well as a list of all donors to your team .
How can I send a thank you email to my donors?
To easily send thank-you emails to donors, follow these steps:
- Log in to your fundraiser dashboard by clicking the "My HQ" link in the top right
- Click "My Fundraising Report" in the left sidebar
- Locate the donor/donation you'd like to thank, and click "Send Email" (If the donor didn't submit their email address, this option is unavailable.)
- Type the message in the pop-up window, and click "Send Email"
Why am I receiving emails telling me that I've received a donation?
You are receiving these emails because we would like to keep you updated on your fundraising efforts. If you wish to stop receiving these updates, please login to your headquarters and edit your account preferences.