Wine fundraiser gives boost to local charities

The Flower Mound Rotary Club’s 2010 Vine and Dine Fundraiser had a real heavyweight to help raise $56,000 for the many charities and nonprofits it supports.

Texas State Sen. Chris Harris (Dist. 9) donated one of his Longhorns as one of the 17 auction items.

“It is an honor for me to be a part of the Flower Mound Rotary Club auction this year.” said Harris. “This specific Longhorn is five to six years old and comes from the Harris Ranch by Lake Whitney. It is a privilege for me to be able to donate him to the Rotary Club.”

Flower Mound Mayor Jody Smith (with her family, the event Title Sponsor) was determined to corral the steer, but Nick Jamele won the bidding war, while his wife Cathy expressed some concern about the size of their yard.

The evening’s honorary chairman WBAP radio personality Mark Davis introduced the auction items and auctioneer Mike Fickling coaxed record bids from the almost 300 attendees.

In addition to both Rotary International and national-level charities, proceeds from the fourth Vine and Dine will benefit such local groups as CASA, CACDC, Habitat for Humanity, the LISD Education Foundation, CCA and the Flower Mound Police and Fire departments.

Also spotlighted was the people’s choice voting for the favorite selections of the wine tasting at the beginning of the evening.

The winning red wines were: gold, Parson’s Flat 2005 Shiraz/Cabernet; silver, Bianchi Famiglia 2007 Malbec; and bronze, Two Angel’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and New Age Rose.

The winning white wines were: gold, New Age White; silver, Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc; and bronze, Toad Hollow Risque’ and 2007 Landmark Overlook Chardonnay.

The next Flower Mound Rotary fundraiser will be the 23rd Annual Cross Timbers Bicycle Classic on May 15 at Texas Motor Speedway. For information and registration, visit: www.crosstimbersclassic.org.

The wines are available at Flower Mound Wine Styles, Goody Goody Liquor, Kroger, Majestic Liquor, Tom Thumb and United Market Street.

Lyn Pry is chairwoman of public relations for the Flower Mound Rotary Club.