Help send a kid to camp
Pirjo Raits
Sooke News Mirror
There are two things which are irresistible to most people — food and drink.
For the past four years the Sooke Harbourside Lions have been holding a wine tasting event to raise funds for Camp Shawnigan, a yearly camp for kids and teens with disabilities.
This year the Taste of B.C. will be held at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort and Convention Centre on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
“We chose to change it to bring it to more people, the venue affords more space and a beautiful setting. Other events that have been held here have proven to be successful and well received,” said Lions member Pat Phillips, one of the organizers for the wine tasting.
Joining the Lions is Valerie Marie Lessard, the food and beverage managing partner at the Mix by Ric’s. Lessard is also a sommelier and knows her wines.
The wine tasting will represent 12 B.C. wineries from Saanich to Osoyoos, as well as some beer and scotch. Included as well will be a seminar on food and wine pairing. Presenting will be a new winery which is just being launched.
“They are very knowledgeable,” says Lessard. “They explain things like — where do you start, where do you go so you do not feel intimidated.”
Each of the wineries being represented will have either a wine maker, owner or representative who knows about the wine they will be serving. The convention centre set up like a trade show will have booths around the perimeter.
The goal is to showcase the wines and the wineries. Vancouver Island Brewery and Phillips Brewery will be supplying beer for the tasting.
Each of the guests will receive tickets for 10 samplings of either wine, beer or scotch. Food will be available with 10 restaurants in Sooke providing delicacies to complement the wines. Designated drivers can get a half-price ticket which can be purchased at the door.
Last year the Sooke Harbourside Lions raised about $4,000 for Camp Shawnigan camperships. It costs about $1,500 per week for a child to attend a week-long camp. Last year four children from Sooke were able to attend thanks to the Lions.
To raise money there will also be a silent and a live auction, with Mayor Wendal Milne filling the role of auctioneer. Janet McTavish and the Sooke Philharmonic Quartet will provide the entertainment. Door prizes including the grand prize of a staycation at the Prestige Resort complete with a spa package and dinner for two.
There are only 300 tickets available for Prestige, People’s Drug Mart or Shoppers Drug Mart, or from a Lions member.
