The Clarkston Rotary Club hosted its Fifth Annual ‘Taste for the Holidays? Wine Tasting Gala on Nov. 10. The event took place at Bordine Nursery in Clarkston, and the scenery was absolutely marvelous.
Bordine hosted nearly 550 guests in the nursery’s greenhouse. The colors were striking and brought a warm feeling to the room. The plants were moved to one area, while vendors and contributors set up spaces for the event.
‘This kind of event takes a lot of work,? said John Halleran, president of Clarkston Rotary Club. ‘We are fortunate to have the help of other rotary clubs.?
Indeed, there was plenty of help available, even from past Rotary presidents and members.
‘I helped organize this event,? said Lu Hewko, past president of the Clarkston Rotary. ‘I think Bordine’s did an excellent job displaying the flowers.?
With the help of other clubs, the event sold more tickets, and the planning went smoothly.
‘It’s a big gala and I’m excited because we raise a lot of money and the Rotary does a lot of good for the community,? said Vince Alonzi, Ortonville Rotary President.
Though different Rotary clubs participated, they all strive to achieve the same goal ? to help in any way possible.
‘I am representing Oxford Rotary,? said Bill Patterson, Oakland County Commissioner. ‘We were happy to help the Clarkston Rotary because they do a lot of good. I love coming to these events because it really gets me in the Christmas spirit.?
Many members of the Rotary spread joy around the Clarkston Wine Tasting, and made Bordine’s feel like the perfect place to hold such a wonderful event.
‘As a member of Clarkston, I am a supporter of Rotarians and proud to participate,? said Jim Evans. ‘It’s an honor to be here because I respect what the Rotary does.?
The event had many contributors from the area who donated this year. These include Rudy’s Quality Market, Bullfrog’s, Deer Lake Conference and Banquet, Giacomo’s Ristorante, Gregg’s Gourmet Caf?, LA Caf?, MacPhee’s Restaurant, Culinary Affair, Mr. B’s, Costco, and Gordon Foods.
‘We are very happy to be donating to the Clarkston Rotary Club Wine Tasting,? said Christopher Thomas, co-owner of Rudy’s Quality Market. ‘We love Clarkston and we like to donate to the area because we have built many relationships within the community.?
The idea for the wine tasting gala came from Robert Esshaki of Rudy’s Quality Market.
‘Robert came to me and said that we should put a gala together,? said Jeff Lichty, District Governor for the Clarkston Rotary Club. ‘He said he would supply the food and wine and all we would have to do is sell the tickets.?
Five years ago that is exactly what they did, and it is a tradition the Rotary hopes to keep. The selection of wines at the gala came from around the world including California, Italy, Chile, Australia, and Michigan.