DISCOUNT WINE CELLARS

Functions involving the drinking, purchasing, and/or tasting of wine are held frequently around Salmon Arm and are often associated with fundraising. Running such an event involves many considerations, including licensing.
On the February 13th I will be working at the Chocolate and Diamonds Gala for Mara Station Retreat Centre and I would say that one of the most confusing aspects of arranging this thing is the liquor licensing. It's all worked out, but not without some confusion.
The lady who is serving wine is named Lynn, from Recline Ridge, and you couldn't ask for a better person to work with. Patient? Her name should be in the dictionary under the word. Licensing is different for every event she goes to because some are hosted in places which already serve alcohol or which have licenses for such events. Then there are special events where organizers need to get one-night licenses, try to predict the amount of wine to be sold, find out how much will be on the premises (opened or not, doesn't matter). Lynn has her serve-it-right certification (which says that she knows not to hold your wine glass on the inside or sneeze in it) but was not a member of our organization, which meant that even if she has a liquor license it wouldn't matter. Then we were going to get a license for the Mara Station Retreat Society, until Ginny, the Executive Director, had the fabulous idea of making Lynn a member. Genius. Now all I know is that the matter is 'in hand' as they say.
So, the main thing is that one can still come to our fundraiser, win a diamond pendant to give as a gift to that special someone (or mom), purchase something for the wine cellar knowing your money is spent on good wine for an even better cause, and go home happy. Put it this way: if you plan on running an event involving wine, never assume anything, don't put me in charge, and book Lynn.

Labels: 48 bottle corner wine cellar, Recline Ridge, Valentines Day wine charms, wine charity

Right on a beautiful stretch of river, frequented by swans and many other birds, in the quiet village of Mara is the Mara Station Retreat Centre. Here residential retreats are offered for people living with life-threatening illness and their partners or caregivers. Participants learn pain management techniques, meditation, nutrition and much more. The idea is to live with joy and meaning throughout life, no matter how little time one might have left.
The cost of retreats is high because of the professionals running seminars, the resources, the organic foods etc. The Society is non-profit. That's why they do fundraising, including a Chocolate and Diamonds Gala this Saturday the 13th in Salmon Arm, BC, at our elegant art gallery. There will be chocolate tasting, ballroom dancing, wine sold by the glass or the bottle by Recline Ridge (who are also donating a silent auction basket), a live auction, music, and the chance to win a diamond pendant.
I'm definitely going, but not because of the diamond pendant (worth $500 and donated by Enderby Jewellers), but because I'm on the fundraising committee and will be liasing with the MC, my friend Ron Langridge. I will also be dressing-up which is always fun, even when you're not a kid anymore. In fact, moreso because I hardly ever have cause to dress in anything but jeans and my favourite hoodie. I'll be wearing a low-cut strappy black dress, but don't let that scare you.
The communities of Salmon Arm, Enderby, Mara and others have been very generous in donating items for the silent and live auctions, plus goodies to taste. Most people relate to the Society's purpose since hardly anyone has not been touched by cancer, MS, Alzheimers or some other terrible disease. But even though the topic is serious, that doesn't mean we can't have fun, buy some great wine for our cellars, indulge in chocolate, or win a wonderful Valentine's Day gift for someone (just in the nick of time).
Which timing is usual for Valentine's Day, isn't it?

Labels: 96 bottle instant wine cellar, British Columbia, chocolate, diamonds, Discount Wine Cellars, Valentines Day wine charms, wine cellars, wine charity

It's time to prepare for that extra special day of love and devotion coming up next week. If you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about, be prepared to go the extra mile with your sweetheart. You know they won't be pleased when you give them a Saint Patrick's Day kiss instead of wine and roses.  If you are having a hard time coming up with great gift ideas, fear not--I will provide you with a scenario that is sure to make your loved one fall in love all over again.  

Labels: Discount Wine Cellars, Valentines Day wine charms, wine, Wine Charms