The women in the Vino 16 wine group have been meeting monthly for more than ten years, tasting wine and sharing life experiences. In recent years, the group decided to contribute a few dollars each month toward helping out families in need. Just for fun, they also decided to pitch in $2 monthly toward lottery tickets. Last October, the winemakers of the wines they tasted each donated to a specific research cause. Ironically, that same month, Vino 16’s lucky lottery ticket won $5,000.
Instead of keeping their winnings, the group took their October theme as a sign to donate to three causes that hit close to home. “We [said], ‘Wait a minute, maybe we’re supposed to give this away,’” says member Shelly Halverson.
Here are the causes that received donations from Vino 16:
- Sandra J. Schulze American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Rochester—Offers private guest suites for guests and their caregivers.
- Cy’s Place—Provides housing for out-of-town families staying in Rochester during kids’ treatment at the Mayo Clinic.
- Carly Spindler and her World Race—Splindler was featured in the December issue of Maple Grove Magazine and will be serving in different countries throughout the next 11 months.
