| Neighborhoods: Art, wine event aids kids’ organization BY TERRY BRADY |
|
| They came out for a good time and in the process helped out an organization that lends a voice to the abused and neglected children of Southwest Florida. Cape Harbour establishments The Joint, the Gallery of Fine Art, Rising Stars Art Studio and Harbor View Gallery teamed up Saturday to host the Cape Harbour Art and Wine Festival. All proceeds for the event went to the nonprofit Voices for Kids of Southwest Florida. "It's especially helpful," said Voices for Kids Executive Director Jan Barnes. "We need it in today's economy. We need as many volunteers as we can get." The day was filled with sunshine, fine wines, live music by A200 and art displays. Although event organizers Bob Mulroy and Sean Lucas of The Joint were not available to give a final total on the funds raised, Mulroy said he was hoping to have raised at least $2,000. "We're happy with the turnout," Lucas said. Lucas said they're planning on making the event an annual if not a bi-annual event and said they would alternate charities. While many appeared to be taking advantage of the wine-tasting event, which cost $20, others jumped from art display to art display. "I thought there would be a bigger turnout but it's great," said Diane LaRocca, 63. LaRocca came to the event with her family and watched her 4-year-old granddaughter Alyssa Fritz dance about to the sounds of the band. |
"They need more of this kind of stuff," LaRocca said. "It's fun. It's free." LaRocca said she didn't participate in the wine-tasting event but had enjoyed a Long Island Ice Tea. Jay LeBlanc of Cape Coral did participate in the wine-tasting event and might have found a new favorite wine because of it. "I found a great one that I had never had before," he said. Anne Marie Alonso of Cape Coral also participated in the wine tasting but said she was fascinated by the art. "It's really great," she said. "I enjoy the artwork." It also seemed great for those businesses not in the main hub at Cape Harbour. Employees of High Maintenance Salon and Day Spa set up shop by putting a few salon chairs in the heart of all the action. Shannon Seitz, a High Maintenance director of first impressions, said because their shop is tucked away upstairs in the Harbour, it doesn't receive the exposure some of the other shops do. She said events at the Harbour are a huge help. "We love the events here," she said. "They give us exposure." Shirley Hales, founder of Harbour View Gallery, put things in perspective. "The best part of it is we are supporting Voices for Kids," she said. |