Read Between the Wines: A Roaring Good Time
VLP Puts on the Ritz for the 7th Annual Read Between the Wines
By David Beaudouin
It was “23-skiddoo!” as the Village Learning Place rolled back the clock to the Roaring Twenties and rolled out the fun for its 7th Annual Read Between the Wines on Saturday, October 17. A yearly event benefitting the VLP, this year’s Read Between the Wines hit new heights with the most tickets ever sold and 175 supporters in attendance, resulting in over $32,000 in income. “It was a fantastic party supported by an amazing volunteer committee—all to raise funds for VLP programs and library services,” says Liesje Gantert, VLP’s Executive Director.
This year’s event also was notable as the first themed Read Between the Wines, with the main library area portraying a 20’s speakeasy and many of the guests dressing the part in flapper dresses and fedoras. Besides a “Prohibition Punch,” wines and cocktails were provided by longtime sponsor The Wine Source, with catering provided by Agapé House. Rainy weather did not dampen the fun as a live jazz ensemble entertained guests in heated tents in the VLP’s garden. As always, a live and silent auction added to the buzz of the evening.
Beth Pepper, a longtime resident of Charles Village and current VLP Village Vanguard member, commended this year’s Read Between the Wines as “the best fundraiser I’ve been to in a long time.”
“Everyone did a marvelous job,” she added. “I loved the theme and the company. The night was a total success.”
Another guest, John Fink, calls Read Between the Wines “an opportunity to meet old friends, make new ones, have a bite, have a sip, make a bid, write a check, and support a wonderful community resource.”
Darran Tilghman, VLP’s Director of Development who attended this year’s Read Between the Wines accompanied by her new daughter Susannah, is not surprised by this positive feedback. “It’s always a blast when our neighborhood comes together to support the VLP.”
Read Between the Wines 2009 is presented by MECU of Baltimore
Additional Sponsors and Media Partners:
Barnes & Noble Johns Hopkins
Campaign Consultation, Inc.
Falkenhan’s Hardware
Johns Hopkins University
M&T Bank
Roland Roofing and Home Solutions, Inc.
Union Memorial Hospital
The Kelmscott Bookshop
P-B Health Home Care Agency, Inc.