Wine Tasting Party & Fund Raiser

Dave Schultz' job is normally to put out fires, but he and wife Kerstin fueled Rotary fun and commitment with their open house fund raiser. At Thursday’s (August 20th) meeting, Dave announced that Urban Harvest’s Mary Ellen has agreed to extend the wine pricing and commission for the club to until the holidays. It’s an opportunity to help the club if you buy wines for client gifts and the like. He also said wines ordered at the party are ready for pick up.

Did attendees enjoy the party? The answer was a resounding, “Yes.” And, said Dave, “...even the fish were smiling!” For those who didn’t go, an enjoyable part of the walk in the yard is visiting his koi pond -- we may have heard someone say, “These look good enough for the grill!!”

Maybe you’ve heard some past presidents saying – “Remember when we used to get together in someone’s back yard or house for a party. Those were great times in the club !” Like last year’s Steak Fry at Wendy Davis’, this fund-raising wine-tasting party at the Schultz’ home, 8/14, seemed like those days.

All agreed it was a success, with conversation topics all over the board -- a guest who told of how his charitable organization raised $24,000 for a family in need. Someone talked of attending Kent State at the time of Woodstock. Folks talked of programs that work in town, and those that don’t. Jokes abounded. The wide variety of wines, hors d’oeuvres, sandwiches, cheeses and desserts gave us opportunities to pause, catch our breath, and munch during conversation.

Reflecting on why the evening’s event was good, folks said it was an opportunity to talk to other people more, wandering around the rooms, striking up conversations rather than simply sitting at a table with a few people for the evening. Said another, “It was an opportunity to meet the spouses”...and see who really has the patience to deal with our beloved fellow Rotarians day in and day out!! Another said it was a “wonderful evening spent together in support of Rotary’s goals.” “Yummy” was another word.

And then there were photos procured by Wendy Davis from Past District Governor Jack Blane – these showed Dave and Kerstin from that romantic time when he was back from GSE and she was here from Sweden as a Rotary scholar. Dave’s and Kerstin’s commitment to Rotary has grown over the years, along with their relationship. Dave met Kerstin while she was an ambassadorial scholar here. He had been part of a GSE Team visiting South Africa in 1989. Now, with Dave a member of Arlington Rotary, they wanted to make a donation and thought hosting the party would be a way to be of help to the Club.

Urban Harvest’s Mary Ellen presented the wines, giving us an opportunity to taste and order wines. Part of the price of the wine is being donated to Rotary. Everyone felt the venue was great – a fun, beautiful home that’s great for entertaining, and for living. Our sincere thanks and congratulations go to Kerstin and Dave Schultz on a creative and enjoyable way to support Rotary.