3 minute read
Prepare Your Palate
Attention oenophiles (that’s just a fancy word for wine lovers)! We’re thrilled to share that Coastal Coalition for Children will be hosting their signature fundraising event, Taste of the Vine on Sunday, March 20. You don’t have to be a wine aficionado to attend, but if you are one, this is an event you don’t want to miss! The evening affair will take place from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in the stunning setting of Frederica Golf Club on St. Simons Island.
Guests will enjoy a sampling of premier wines and various vintages with recommendations from knowledgeable and charming local sommeliers, Ryan McLoughlin of Sea Island and Frederica’s own George Jackson. Whether you have a passion for pinot or chardonnay is your sure thing, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy what you love or expand your palate. Of course there will be fabulous cuisine as well, with a buffet of delicious small plates and hors d’oeuvres to tempt your tastebuds. Strains of music from local trio 3 of Us will fill the air so you can sip and sway to your heart’s content. Live and silent and auctions will offer unique and exciting items and experiences.
Individual tickets for the event are $200 per person and company sponsorships are also available in a variety of levels. As in past years, some benefits of sponsorship, depending on the level you choose, include the very popular private one-hour champagne cruise around the lake at Frederica and a special pre-event private tasting curated by Ryan McLoughlin.
If you’re wondering where the funds go from your sponsorships or ticket sales, here are some examples. A Pinot Noir level sponsorship can put 500 children in our community on the path to success with early literacy with free books. A Cabernet level sponsorship protects 56 newborns who would otherwise be at high risk by providing safe sleep environments. A Rosé level sponsorship allows 20 families to transport their newborns home from the hospital safely with new car seats. Champagne level sponsorships fund 320 home visits to help educate parents on healthy child growth and development. Every one of these services has a positive impact on the life of a child.
Coastal Coalition for Children has been serving our community since 2001, promoting child well-being by giving families the tools they need to create safe, stable, and nurturing homes. The local non-profit is also a prevention program and serves as the local chapter of Prevent Child Abuse Georgia. Coastal Coalition of Children programs include Healthy Families®, a nationally accredited home visiting program. Their aim is to strengthen families with children beginning prenatally to age five when vital early brain development occurs. Another core program is Grandparent Connection, which supports grandparents, legal guardians or kinship placements so that their homes are stable and nurturing for the children in their care. Staff support healthy development and address issues that may arise from past childhood experiences. Support groups, mental health consultations, tutoring for children below grade level, home visitation and much more are offered.
Several sponsors have already signed on, but your support is no less necessary. Please make plans to attend Taste of the Vine on March 20 either as a sponsor or through the purchase of individual tickets. Raising a glass to the children of our community in one of the most picturesque places on St. Simons Island is an excellent way to spend a Sunday afternoon. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit cc4children.org/events.
Linda & Dave Templeman, Owners
