An event hosted by the Naramata Bench Wineries Association in April raised more than $50,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of B.C. and Yukon.
Hundreds of people attended ReWined, the NBWA's annual spring wine tasting event, held at the historic Crystal Gardens venue in Victoria.
Nineteen Naramata wineries provided products for the tasting event. Proceeds are donated to charities, and the event gave to Make-A-Wish for the first time.
“We were able to enjoy a lovely evening together and raise awareness and funds for granting wishes for kids who really need a boost in their spirits," Make-A-Wish B.C. and Yukon CEO Ross Hetherington said in a news release.
The organization is one of eight regional chapters across Canada that raise funds to grant ‘magical wishes’ to children in need. The parent body Make-A-Wish International has managed to make dreams come true for more than 450,000 children since 1980.
Some kids have gone on trips to Disneyland, while others have enjoyed more esoteric gifts, such as training dolphins, training to become an actor, or meeting their favourite sports heroes.
The event included a silent auction and raffle, and food came from various restaurants from Vancouver Island.
“We also want to say thanks today to the hundreds of attendees,and all the generous ReWined supporters and sponsors who helped keep costs low and glasses raised,” said Hetherington.
