A Little Taste of a Big Fundraiser

Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser

The annual Wine Survivor fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Vegreville is off to a good start after the kick-off wine tasting party on Thursday, March 28.

Wine Survivor follows the same premise as the TV show “Survivor,” with five people per team and a total of 60 teams. Closer to the draw date, team numbers start to be drawn for elimination.

“You could be on five teams if you wish,” said Rotary Vegreville President Daphne Miller, “the consolation draw for the first team eliminated is 10 bottles, and then the final team of 5 will split 100 bottles of wine between them.

The evening’s short program was kick-started with President Daphne Miller introducing some of Rotary’s mission both worldwide and locally, the fundraiser, the program speakers, and the people who provided wine for the evening.

Carrie Boon from the Christopher Stuart Company drove down from St. Albert to present some wine, and the Vegreville Liquor Den provided different wines for guests to taste.

Wine-and-cheese themed snacks were set up in a beautiful display by Jody and Allison.

A video presented by Rhonda Manz shared some details about Rotary’s mission to eradicate the Polio disease from the planet. The video shared some details about the three remaining countries who must receive the vaccine and gave everyone a good taste of the cause that they would be supporting with the wine survivor fundraiser.

Another video explaining why Rotary is no longer considered an “old boys club” was presented, followed by member testimonies of why they joined Rotary and how their experience has shaped their life.

“The big ‘Aha!’ moment, for me, was when we went to see students in Belize, who we sponsor,” said Ann Waters. “There, they are only funded for up to a grade-eight education, and after that, it takes $500 U.S. dollars for students to continue, which is what we help them with. When I went with (another Rotary Vegreville member), the first members in our club to go, to Belize to see them graduate, and one that I am aware of, is going to be a doctor. It really sunk in for me that without our contribution, that wouldn’t have been possible.”

Patti Johnson, Rotary Club of Vegreville’s membership chair, shared her daughter’s experience with Rotary Youth leading to her own membership in “the adult version.”

Incoming president of Vegreville’s Rotary Club Ashley Browning, who begins her term at the beginning of July, also shared her story, along with a history of Rotary and her goals for the next year. “I would love if you would all join us in making a difference worldwide.”

After this, guests were invited to stay for awhile to taste wines, eat, and socialize amongst themselves.