From Family and Children’s Services:
“Wines Around the World,” a wine-tasting benefit in support of Family and Children’s Services, will be held Sunday, March 16, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Vandiver Inn, 301 South Union Avenue in Havre de Grace.
This ninth annual event raises funds for Family and Children’s Services, a nonprofit based in Bel Air that serves children, adolescents and their families who experience the effects of sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse. The nonprofit also provides school-based counseling in seven elementary schools in Harford County, general counseling and adult day care.
“Wines Around the World” features a menu catered by the Vandiver Inn that includes themed tables featuring American, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes carved roasted turkey, garlic shrimp and rice, chicken picata plus cheese and fruit displays in addition to desserts provided by Klein’s ShopRite.
The Vineyard Wine Bar will provide the paired wines at each of the food stations. For guests interested in purchasing wine at the event, The Vineyard Wine Bar has arranged discounts in support of Family and Children’s Services.
The afternoon also features jazz by The Paul Howshall Trio, a silent auction and raffle board. Those who attend the event will receive a commemorative wine glass.
A special part of the event will be a display of art work produced by children as part of their counseling sessions, describing their situations and how they are overcoming them.
“We hope to raise $10,000 at this event,” said Amy Wagner, district director of Family and Children’s Services. “The funds raised stay in Harford County and will be used for our trauma treatment center. The support of our community is vital in making this event a success.”
Tickets cost $55 per person and should be purchased in advance by visiting fcsmd.org and clicking on events calendar or by calling 410-838-9000.
How fitting that a human service organization like F&CS would be hosting an alcohol-based event using a known vehicle for increasing the risk of violence and abuse – alcohol. Even if it is a fund raiser, I think having an event like this is in poor taste and a slap in the face for all families who have experienced alcohol-related violence or dysfunction. Shame on you, F&CS.