CORNWALL, Ontario – Returning for its 5th year in a row, the United Way’s Holiday Wine and Gourmet tasting event kicked off another successful start to the holiday season.
Organized by the United Way as the flagship event for the holiday season of giving, this year’s event brought on new sponsors and sold out to a crowd of 450 guests.
“A lot of organizing goes into tonight,” said Lori Greer, executive director for the United Way SDG. “We have a group of tremendous volunteers, who help with this event, along with some of our staff. We rely on our volunteers heavily. They work for months to get this event off the ground.”
This year’s organizing effort was spearheaded by Karen and Ray Brunet, local business owners and long time volunteers who are committed to the role the United Way plays in our community.
“We’re very excited to be a big part of this amazing event and support the United Way,” said Karen Brunet. “We’re raising much needed funds for the community, that will stay in the community.”
“We’re sold out, we have a crowd of 450 here. We’re thrilled with the attendance. We also have great sponsors, and a few new ones on board this year,”said Greer. “We really strive to make this the kick off to the holiday season. We work hard to make it enjoyable for everyone
As much as the fundraising is an important part of it, we really make sure everyone has a great evening.”
The holiday season tends to mark the beginning of a broader United Way campaign to raise needed funds which help support direct programming for social services in Cornwall. Unlike previous years, this year’s campaign moves away from setting fiscal targets, and looks to approach fundraising from a new perspective.
“The campaign is going well, we can accept donations at any time, but most people know this is a United Way time of year,” said Greer. “There is a lot going on this year, and as always, we are extremely thankful.”
