To raise money for their upcoming Celebration of Courage, North San Diego and Poway Soroptimists held a wine fundraiser that also got them revved up for their signature event to help women and children.
Two dozen Soroptimists gathered at the Rancho Bernardo home of Enid Glick on July 15 for a wine tasting. They also bought bottles of wine for themselves and for the Celebration of Courage, and learned more about plans for the event set for Oct. 4.
Tami Wallander from Wiens Cellars brought an assortment of vintages for the women to try. The Temecula-based winery donated a portion of its sales proceeds from that evening to the Soroptimists’ efforts, said Poway Soroptimist JoAnn Polcari who chaired the event.
Kristi Norton and wine tasting event chair JoAnn Polcari. (Elizabeth Marie Himchak)
“The winery has been wonderful with the Soroptimists, working with us,” she said.
“It was hugely successful,” Polcari added. “We had a beautiful potluck … to enhance the party.”
Soroptimists on the Celebration of Courage Planning Committee include, seated, Holly McGoldrick, Theresa Martin, Michelle Gaylord and Lauren Chin; and standing, Tracy South and Jennifer Macdonald. Not pictured: JoAnn Polcari, Pam Warnock, Carol Ann Donahue, Cynthia Elizondo, Shelley Dugan and Corrine Campbell. (Elizabeth Marie Himchak)
Celebration of Courage (formerly Hats & Heels) is a fundraising event for the two clubs to support their Transitional Housing Program. The 12-18 month program provides post-shelter housing as women and their children rebuild their lives after fleeing a domestic violence situation.
Since 1997, the clubs have assisted over 95 families and more than 220 children, with a success rate of about 80%, according to their website.
Debbie Schneider, Anne Holdren and Holly McCormick were among those at the Soroptimists’ wine tasting. (Elizabeth Marie Himchak)
They also provide scholarships to help women obtain their education, assist trafficking survivors, mentor at-risk teenage girls and support military women transitioning into civilian life.
This year’s Celebration of Courage will be held on Sunday, Oct. 4 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. For details on tickets and how to become a sponsor, visit celebrationofcourage.org.
To donate bottles of wine valued at $25 or higher, gift basket items or help sponsor in other ways, contact Pam Warnock at 858-204-8624 or Pamjwarnock@gmail.com.
Jen Bergo and Lauren Chin. (Elizabeth Marie Himchak)