Rotary Walk, Wine and Dine attracts 83 diners

The Rotary Club of Leamington’s first annual Walk, Wine and Dine, supporting youth mental health in uptown Leamington was quite successful, raising $6,000.

A total of 83 diners were treated to culinary selections from eight participating uptown restaurants.

Six groups of about 14 diners started at The Bank Theatre with a quick orientation and appetizers by Armando’s Pizza, then were led by Rotarians to experience three different restaurants, a quick trek through Gabriele’s for some special coupons and then ended the evening at the Arts Centre, enjoying dessert from Sweet Retreat Ice Cream & More and Christine’s Bake Shop.

The participating restaurants were Crave Family Grill and Pub, Cancunsito Mexican Cuisine, Firdous Lebanese Grill, Cured Craft Brewing Co., Sona Ristorante & Taverna and Riviera Maya Mexican Bar & Grill.

Feedback from participants was very positive with many remarking that they were impressed with the quality of restaurants in the uptown.

One of the groups enjoying drinks at a stop along the Rotary Club’s Walk, Wine and Dine.

Photo submitted

Co-chair of the project, Renee Daudlin-Iacobelli, was asked how this project will benefit Youth Mental Health in our community.

“This project will result in a Pitch Contest for Youth Mental Health Services,” Daudin-Iacobelli. “As we are all aware, our youth are struggling for various reasons, and we want to ensure that our community has something to offer. Our club will use the money that we raise through this event and through other fundraising efforts to hold a Pitch Contest that will allow agencies, entrepreneurs, or individuals the opportunity to pitch an innovative mental health project that would benefit youth in need. The winner(s) will receive funding for their project through the Rotary Club of Leamington and partner’s project.”

Members of the Rotary Club of Leamington pitched in, secured sponsors, organized participants and restaurants, and ensured the participants had a great time.

Club President and Co- Chair, Charlene Houle, thanked all involved.

“Without their financial backing, we could not have made this happen,” she said.

Ongoing fundraising will add to the amount offered in the Fall 2022 Pitch Contest.