ANN ARBOR –
Last weekend, in spite of tough economic times, over 150 people in the region donated some very special wines to HARC's annual fundraiser helping the organization raise over $21,000.
"Fundraising events like the Ann Arbor Wine Cellar are so important to HARC. They help us raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in our community and funds for HIV services. Having just recently experienced a cut in our HIV prevention funding, the success of the Ann Arbor Wine Cellar helps us continue to achieve our mission and provide outreach and education services at no cost to those who are in need," said Jimena Loveluck, president and CEO of HIV/AIDS Resource Center.
One of the event co-chairs and its founder, Martin Contreras of aut Bar praised the community of donors, vendors, shop owners and attendees, "Financially, the event was a huge success. It is amazing to me that in this suppressed economy and time of diminished resources we were able to raise more money than last year. Additionally, with the outpouring of donated services by the community we were able to net even more. A huge increase over the $1,500 we raised in our first year. Many thanks to the community of donors, vendors, shop owners and attendees."
"Hundreds of people came together to help make The Ann Arbor Wine Cellar successful. We had over 150 notable Michiganders donate some very special wines and their contributions were so personal. People gave us bottles that they had cellared for years, or that had been produced by childhood friends who are now vintners, or that had wonderful stories behind them. Sommeliers and collectors donated favorite and rare wines. I can't think of any fundraiser that is so community-based. It was a joy to see it come to fruition,"added event co-chair Keith Orr of Common Language Bookstore.
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