Debuts and Discoveries is now over for 2018. This year Seattle Uncorked, and University Sunrise Rotary had a great fun hosting an array of new beverage vendors along with good food and the band “Ranken File.” All this effort to support “Friends of the Children” but pictures are worth a thousand words.
More photos>https://www.flickr.com/photos/125163167@N05/sets/72157692867151011
The last 5 years University Sunrise Rotary has partnered with Seattle Uncorked to bring you Debuts and Discoveries, a wine, beer, and spirts tasting event to benefit a local charity. The Rotary Club would not have been able to produce these events without our partnership with Seattle Uncorked.
David LeClaire is the founder of the Northwest’s largest wine club, Seattle Uncorked. Seattle Uncorked is a “social” club for enthusiasts to meet new friends & network with others who love wine, beer, and spirits! Unlike most “wine clubs” whose real purpose is to sell wine, Seattle Uncorked is a resource to learn about fun tasting & social events in the Greater Seattle Metro area.
In its 16th year, Seattle Uncorked also produces their own annual events such as NW Women Stars of Food & Wine, Sexy Syrah, Debuts & Discoveries, Rose’ Revival, The Cabernet Classic, Taste of Oregon, Fresh Hops Festival, and many more. There is no membership fee to join.
Come join the fun and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, with us this year at Debuts & Discoveries. The fun runs from 5-9 pm and you’ll have a chance to find your new favorite wine, beer, spirit or cider! Over 20 local vendors will introduce you to their latest special beverages. When you get hungry, four food trucks will be on hand with a variety of delicious victuals. And the Ranken File Band will entertain with a variety of music; dance anyone?
Where’s all the fun?
Building 30, in Magnuson Park. Enter the park at NE 74th off Sandpoint Way NE and follow the signs to parking and the hangar.
Buy your $35 tickets online, www.usrotary.org or $40 at the door. Entry limited to 21+. This event is coordinated by University Sunrise Rotary, Seattle Uncorked (www.seattleuncorked.com) and Friends of the Children (www.friendsseattle.org). Proceeds benefit “Friends,” an organization that provides professional mentors to at-risk youth.
Courtney Huck and Edgar Masmela told us of the work of Friends of the Children, an endeavor that has merited monetary support from the club. Our, March 17, 2018, major fund raiser, “Debuts and Discoveries”, will highlight support for The Friends of Children.
They have been in Seattle 17 years, are in 12 school districts and 78 classrooms. The most vulnerable youth are identified as early as the kindergarten level. At this point, a professional mentor remains a presence with a child through the latter’s graduation from high school. To have one person in one’s life, a caring adult, becomes a huge impact. It imparts a sense of purpose and bears results.
There is many a cycle of generational poverty. Friends of the children (henceforth FOC) have repeatedly shown that stepping in, as a trained professional, makes a difference. One result is a child’s avoidance of the Juvenile Justice System. Helping one child in this way saves the taxpayers $900,000.
The mentors also serve as advocates, one example being in transition of a child from one foster home to another. The mentor will in such an instance make it easier for a child to adapt and see to the arrangements. Everything that FOC does is intentional. This includes having parents as partners in this work. If a child is weak in one subject, focus is placed on that subject.
Thus far, 84% of those mentored finish high school. And 94% have avoided the Juvenile Justice System even though their parents might have had experiences with the law. For each dollar saved, $7 is saved for the economy. 32 new children will enter the program in the next 4 years. Federal grants will expand the program. By 2020, more than 250 kids will be enrolled.
Comment: To have a one-on-one relationship with someone who encourages, and cares can translate risk factors into a success story. It is anticipated that, in generations to come, sordid family histories shall be left behind.
While the major University Sunrise Rotary fundraiser is 6 months away (March 17, 2018), we need event sponsors NOW!
Of course, the big reason for soliciting sponsors is to reduce or eliminate the amount needed from our net proceeds to pay our event organizing costs such as rent, permits, beverage curator, printing, PR and more. The more sponsor dollars we have coming in, the more we are able deliver to our supported charity, Friends of the Children.
In past years, many of you have stepped up to sponsor personally or on behalf of an employer. We truly appreciate such great support and are hoping that this will be repeated this year. If neither you or your employer can contribute, perhaps you have a business that you frequent that might be interested in helping.
To help gathering sponsors contact Nancy Bolin: tasting[at]usrotary.org
Sponsorship and the benefits of sponsorship plus details on Friends of the Children are linked.
Sponsor Solicitation Letter.doc
D & D Sponsor Benefits_2018.doc
Beneficiary: The Friends of the Children
Thanks for your wonderful support!
