Kiwanis Club hosting virtual wine auction
SHEPHERDSTOWN — The Shepherdstown Kiwanis Club has traditionally hosted a wine pairing dinner and auction each September; however, as with many events, COVID-19 restrictions have inhibited the ability to hold the event as usual.
The annual wine pairing traditionally includes dinner and wine tastings, and is held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Harpers Ferry. To ensure the event’s beneficiary, the Boys and Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle, does not lose funding because of this cancellation, the Kiwanis Club has chosen to hold an online wine auction.
The event will feature different themed wine baskets, such as French, Italian, Summer Fun and Gardening. Each basket will include a single bottle of wine, along with other goodies.
“People will be able to view the baskets and their contents on our Facebook page,” said club president Kim Walls. “People will be asked by friends to join the on-line auction.”
The auction will run online from Sunday through 8 p.m. on Sept. 26.
“Those not interested in a basket, but who want to help our community, can make a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle,” Walls said. “We are happy to partner with them each year for this event.”
In addition to the baskets available for bidding, supporters can also purchase individual bottles of wine at a set price. The wines come from Manatawny Creek Winery in Douglassville, Penn. and feature raspberry and blueberry infused wines. Winemaker Joanne Levengood will then offer a wine social via Zoom, during which she will explain the process of making the wines. Purchasers of the individual bottles will receive the bottle deliveries, accompanied with an invitation to the Zoom gathering.
According to BGCEP Director Stacie Rohn, she personally coordinated the single bottle-related fundraiser portion of the event.
“The Kiwanis Club has done a really great job for the past three years with the wine auction and I really want to see the momentum continue,” Rohn said. “The Kiwanis of Shepherdstown has been a phenomenal supporter of the Boys & Girls Club.”
The Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle strives to enable all young people, especially those who need it the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Rohn said its locations will open for in-person services, after allowing local schools to get into a routine. Of course, all services will be dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
The Kiwanis Club of Shepherdstown meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Christ Reformed Church on East German Street. To become a member, contact Adele Knott at 304-870-2184.