Raising a glass to fundraising

A big part of a strong society is helping those in need. Food, wine and beer events have become a popular was to encourage the public to get out for a fun night of dining and drinks while raising money for an organization. There are so many worthy causes that I've been asked to help with or participate in so I wanted to share a few of these. I find that regularly, we fail to promote the wonderful work of these organizations.

I need to begin however, by giving a shout out to all the suppliers who participate in these events. They donate their product, their time, and their enthusiasm to these events and it's their support and participation that truly make these events such wonderful successes.

Fran Menton has orchestrated two wine tastings in support of the SPCA. The most recent in February raised over $2000 to help cover the shelter's expenses.  This is becoming an annual event for wine and animal lovers.

The Saint John Wine Fair is one of only two fundraisers for the Canadian Red Cross in NB. All the funds, over $50000 this year, are kept here in the province and used in Emergency Relief efforts for everything from house fires to major flooding.

The Fredericton Craft Beer Festival just enjoyed its third year and is a fundraiser for the Canadian Diabetes Association. In its first year it raised over $12000 for the association.

There are fundraisers coming up that still have tickets available. The Fredericton Wine Show on March 28th raises funds for the Arthritis Society, and The Saint John Beer Fest on April 11th raises funds for Ducks Unlimited. The Port City Beer Run in Saint John on May 30th raises fund for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The Fundy Food Festival in May raises fund for the Boys and Girls Club. A great event, it features a live Chef auction in addition to delicious food from restaurants.

Get out there and raise your glass or your fork to the tastiest fundraisers in NB.

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