Patrons at last year’s Wine Off the Fox sample wines in the Red and White Wine Area. (Village of Oswego photo)

Kari Rankins wants to be a resource for anyone going through breast cancer.

“I told myself that I needed to get involved in events to make men and women aware of the risk factors,” Rankins said. “I want to let them know if they don’t schedule a mammogram what the possible outcome might be. I view myself as an ambassador.”

The Oswego resident had led a Relay for Life team for eight years, raising money for breast-cancer organizations and research. However, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and having a double mastectomy, she realized she wanted to do more.

“I see myself as a fighter-warrior more than a survivor,” Rankins said. “… I wanted to give back.”

Rankins wrote a book, “Navigating through Breast Cancer,” about her experiences and took the stage at last year’s first Wine Off the Fox event to tell her story.

She will be back at this year’s event, planned for Sept. 1-2, to continue raising awareness of breast cancer testing and the support that is available for people.

“I had no clue there was support available,” Rankins said.

Despite giving countless speeches as a corporate executive for Boeing, Rankins said she was so nervous taking the stage at last year’s event.

She said she doesn’t know yet what role she will play at this year’s event.

“I’ll do whatever I need to do,” Rankins said.

Wine Off the Fox was planned to help promote breast-cancer awareness. A portion of each ticket sold will support local and national breast-cancer organizations. Rush Copley/Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center, Edward Foundation Breast Program Fund and the American Cancer Society will all be beneficiaries of this year’s event. A silent auction will be held to raise additional funds for the organizations.

“Not only does Wine Off the Fox bring our community together to enjoy wine-tasting and music, it helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer,” Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman said. “We’ve added a second day since last year’s event was so popular.

Wine Off the Fox takes place from 5-8:30 p.m. Sept. 1 and 2-7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 at Venue 1012, located at 1012 Station Drive, Oswego. More than 20 wines varieties from local, regional and international wineries, as well as craft beer, will be available. Wine selections include August Hill Winery’s Caramel Apple, Village Vintner’s Blood Orange Sangria, Miradouro da Vinha Rose from Portugal and France’s Soir de Paris Blanc de Blancs. Local food trucks will be on site. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic, although no outside alcohol will be permitted.

The entertainment lineup features The PriSSillas on Sept. 1, along with Serendipity and headliner The Jersey Girls on Sept. 2

Tickets options are:

• $43 for the “For the Fight Package” — Includes general admission ticket for both days, a commemorative wine glass and 14 tasting tickets
• $36 for the “All for Pink Package” — Includes general admission ticket for both days, a commemorative wine glass and seven tasting tickets
• $25 for general admission on Friday and Saturday
• $15 for Friday Only Package — Includes general admission ticket for Friday, commemorative wine glass and five tasting tickets

Wine Off the Fox tickets are on sale at venue1012.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for an

Additional $10 per package.

Free parking will be available on site.

Cash and credit cards will be accepted on site.

To volunteer at Wine Off the Fox, sign up at bit.ly/VolunteerWineOff23.

Wine Off the Fox tickets are on sale at venue1012.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for an additional’ $10 per package.