Good wine, good music and a good time is what the United Way expects to provide to the community at its “Taste of the Vine” wine-tasting event, said Dawn Littlefield, executive director of the DeKalb United Way.

United Way will host the event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the South Pointe Center, 200 Gurler Road. All proceeds will benefit the 23 agencies United Way helps to fund, including the Red Cross, Hope Haven Homeless Shelter, Voluntary Action Center, YMCA and several child care centers, among others.

In previous years, the event was known as the Taste of DeKalb; however, this year’s event is focused on wine tasting and appetizers.

The event has drawn more than 100 people in each of its five previous years. This year, Littlefield said, she hopes to have more than 200 attend the fundraiser.

With the help of local businesses, United Way also will hold a silent auction for gift baskets.

Littlefield said each basket is themed. Themes may include a children’s basket, BBQ basket, pasta basket or even a bird basket with a birdhouse and seeds. There also will be raffles for cash and door prizes.

The event usually raises $5,000, Littlefield said.

“We couldn’t do it without the businesses in town who donate to us,” she said.

The Black Tie Jazz Trio will provide the backdrop for the event, as it has for the past six years.

Kirk Lumdbeck, member of the trio, said to expect to hear music from the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, as well as new music.

“We’ve played for the United Way in past events, and we’d like to take an active role in community events for not only ourselves but our community as well,” Lumdbeck said. “I hope everyone comes and enjoys not only the music, but the wine tasting as well.”

Wine will be available for purchase so participants can take home anything they’ve tasted.

New attendees and those who bring new attendees will receive gifts.

“It’s a wonderful way to support the United Way. … It’s a great evening of fun, and everyone (of age) is more then welcome to come,” Littlefield said.