FORESTVILLE, NY (November 7, 2011) - Merritt Estate Winery will again participate as the exclusive wine sponsor for the Buffalo Police Athletic League's annual fundraising auction.

            The 11^th Annual Fundraising Auction will take place on Tuesday, November 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Salvatore's Italian Gardens in Depew, NY. Proceeds from the auction are used to support the quality programs and services provided by the Buffalo Police Athletic League.

            The PAL was established to provide programs that help to improve the quality of life for Buffalo's youth. The organization provides a host of different programs suited to fit the interests of any and all individuals who may want to become involved. Different sports programs are offered on a year round basis including basketball, baseball, floor hockey and boxing. The PAL also offers a variety of other diverse programs that may appeal to those youth members who are not interested in sports alone. These "Cops & Kids Clinics" contain an educational aspect and provide a learning experience for participating youth. Ice skating, tennis, golf and bicycle and helmet safety are just a few of the many aspects of this program that are available.

            The organization holds many special events over the course of each year. However, the Annual Fundraising Auction is the capstone event used to raise vital funds to continue the invaluable programs that the PAL provides. Over 20,000 children in the Buffalo and Western New York areas participate in these programs annually. While the demand for services from the PAL continues to grow, so does the need for funding. Sponsorship and individual involvement in the auction provides a great amount of revenue to keep the organization on its feet.

            "We are so lucky to be in a position to help our area's youth," said Jessi Luke, Public Relations and Promotions person for Merritt Estate Winery. "The programs that the Buffalo Police Athletic League provide have become a staple in the lives of so many Buffalo and Western New York area youth. The organization is helping improve the lives of these young children every day, and that is definitely a cause that we are more than happy to get behind."

For more information on Merritt news and events, visit www.merrittestatewinery.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/merrittwinery.

Merritt Estate is located in Lake Erie Wine Country, the largest grape growing region of New York State located along the shores of Lake Erie. The grapes and wines produced by Merritt rival the quality of premium vintages throughout the world.