Rotary Club of Niwot’s grand fundraiser

Besides the obvious deliciousness listed in the title Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tasting, the fundraising event hosted by The Rotary Club of Niwot also hits on some other high notes – an evening of musical entertainment, the opportunity to take home fabulous auction items, while giving to the community. The venue for the ninth anniversary of the notable event is the Longmont Museum and the evening is Saturday, May 18, from 5 to 9 p.m.

One hundred percent of proceeds go toward the Rotary Club’s support of charities and organizations in the area. This year, the majority of the evening’s earnings are earmarked for two nonprofit organizations: Colorado Friendship (ColoradoFriendship.org) and PEARL (Providing Empowerment and Acceptance through Resources and Love – PearlPromise.org).

Colorado Friendship Organization delivers food and clothing to low income children and families and to the homeless community throughout Boulder County. One of Colorado Friendships’ biggest endeavors is the IncrEdibles program, which sends food home with students for weekends, when they are not provided with breakfast and lunch as they are on school days.

PEARL provides single-mom families with support, education, and training to help bring about economically and emotionally stable home environments.

The theme for this year’s event is “World Wine Tour.” Rotary Club past president Pat Engstrom said, “We have seven red wines and three white wines. Our wines are selected from California, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, and Argentina. There is a nice selection of varietals. Whites include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Albariño. Reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Barbera, Rioja, Montepulciano, Pinot Noir, and a dry Rosé from California.”

Wine, cheese and chocolate tasting stations will tempt party goers with a wide selection of well-paired offerings while a pianist plays the baby grand that will be auctioned off at the party. A string trio, comprised of members of the organization Harvest Guitars for our Troops will also be strumming their tunes during the evening. Food will be catered by Lucky’s Market of Boulder.

The “apartment” grand piano up for bids is circa 1930’s and has been appraised at $3,250.Tinkling the keys to demonstrate its beautiful sound will provide a lovely musical background for mingling. The guitar trio is made up of representatives of the nonprofit organization that sends guitars to wounded warriors, military veterans with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, and active duty soldiers around the globe.

The first honoree of the club’s Community Achievement Award is Biff Warren. Niwot High School Principal Eric Rauschkolb will introduce the award and present a plaque to Warren.

“We couldn’t imagine anyone more deserving than Biff to receive the inaugural award. The Rotary Club of Niwot is dedicated to serving the Niwot community and Biff serves as a role model for all of us,” Rotary Club President Elect, Doug Montgomery said. “He has dedicated countless time and effort to helping Niwot thrive and grow. We hope that our club can follow his lead.”

The live auction will be conducted by OJ Pratt, the owner of Longmont’s Pacific Auction who promises to be a highlight of the evening. The grand piano, several trips, and a University of Colorado football game experience are a few of the big ticket items that will garner excitement.

Who will win the live auction offerings and how much money they’re willing to pay for a trip to the Mayan Riviera, Ireland and New Orleans or two tickets to the CU-Stanford game while hanging out with KOA radio broadcasters Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett will be the evening’s crescendo.

Bidding for the more than 100 silent auction items begins two days prior to the event online (www.accelevents.com/e/niwotrotary) and bidders need not attend the event to win. Gift baskets, sports memorabilia, various works of art, restaurant gift certificates, golf outings, and 43 individual Hummel figurines are among the medley of available items.

The club has raised close to $70,000 from the past eight Wine, Cheese and Chocolate events and is hoping to break a record with this year’s event.

The Rotary Club of Niwot has 25 members, all from different walks of life and each in some way associated with Niwot, whether it is through their professions, local schools, or living in the area.

No worries, the event is not a formal affair, just be prepared for an enjoyable one-of-a-kind evening. “Music, fun, fellowship, food…it’s a fun event,” Montgomery said.

Tickets are $50 for a single ticket, $45 for 2-9 tickets, and $40 for 10 or more tickets. Purchase tickets online here.

For more information on the Rotary Club of Niwot and the event, visit http://www.niwotrotary.org.