The North Texas Wine Opener held its fourth annual event last month at Celebrations in Highland Village. Founders, Eric and Jill Welke were as charming and ebullient as ever, hosting the Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser for about 500 guests. This past Monday evening, the annual check presentation was again held at John and Carol Carter’s (Jill’s parents) magnificent home in Highland Shores. The food, the refreshments, the live band and the scores of people attending the soiree created an atmosphere of friendship and love that only comes from those who sincerely believe in a commitment to a cause. When Eric Welke speaks about those who struggle with the disease, he chokes up with emotion and struggles to continue. When Jill Welke introduces a guest who lives with the CF challenge every day, her eyes can’t hold back the tears. When Ryan Duffy, a 26 year-old survivor speaks about his daily regimen of treatments that allows him to work at his job, care for his family and live a life that is as close to normal as possible, he makes the rest of us feel grateful for the health we so often take for granted. Moreover, he makes us proud to be in the same room with someone who has the courage and positive attitude to smile through the pain and never become embittered by his circumstances. When the check total was revealed to be $245,000, the place erupted in heartfelt jubilation because it meant that many more CF survivors could have the treatment they need to keep the disease from destroying them. Thanks to people like the Welke’s, one of these days a cure will be found for this dreaded malady. Until that day comes, it’s a sure bet that they, and thousands of other compassionate hearts will be fighting the good fight.