Community News

Enjoying the Midday Rotary Flood Appeal Wine Tasting and Dinner with Midday Rotary member Jake Kroehnert as auctioneer and club president Robert Blanchard as spotter. Image: Contributed

Grafton Midday Rotary wine tasting & dinner flood fundraiser

Wine tasting & dinner flood fundraiser

Grafton Midday Rotary raised $4,246 at its May 7 flood fundraiser.

Midday Rotary vice president Lee Taylor said, “We had 70 diners come along to the Crown Hotel on May 7. They enjoyed a three-course dinner matched to new and exciting wines from a variety of Australian wineries.”

“All diners supported the appeal with $25 per head, most participated in a $500 club, and we had fun with the auction of selected wines to raise the grand total of $4,246. Those funds have since been relayed to Rotary District 9640 Flood Appeal for distribution to people affected by the 2022 floods in the Clarence Valley.”

“We are so grateful to all who attended, especially the majority who were not Grafton Midday Rotary club members, but who were keen to do something good for our community while enjoying a good night out. Our club was also able to explain a little of what Rotary stands for and who we are.”

“Importantly, we must thank the Crown Hotel management, including Charlie Nadler who was our MC on the night, and staff for supporting Grafton Midday Rotary and the flood appeal. Chef Damian Duggan and his kitchen team prepared a sumptuous meal. Sylvia Duggan and her team arranged and decorated the venue for the night. Wonderful hosts.”

Club President Robert Blanchard paid tribute to incoming president Lee Taylor and club member Mark Blackadder for their roles in creating the concept for the event and ensuring its successful implementation.

Brian Lane