Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Get ready to celebrate the season with friends, family and neighbors at the third annual Soroptimist International Borrego Springs “Toast to Borrego” wine tasting fundraiser event, happening Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, 401 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. Last year was so much fun, we decided to hold the event again this year!

The event will feature six unique wines hand-selected by leading California fine wine broker and distributor Kimberly Jones of Kimberly Jones Selections. We are thrilled to have her expertise again this year! We will also be offering non-alcoholic drink choices for those who want to come to the event but don’t want to drink alcohol. These will include “Mocktails,” coffee and water.

Appetizers will be specially-crafted by local Carlee’s restaurant owner Andy Macuga. We are excited to have his culinary presentations be a big part of our event. Entertainment will be provided once again this year by local favorite and classically-trained pianist, arranger and conductor, Steve T. Hunter. Steve played so wonderfully for our past fundraisers that we are extremely pleased he has agreed to provide an encore experience for us.

Just in time for holiday gifts, many uniquely-themed, hand crafted gift baskets prepared by our local Soroptimist members will be raffled off to the lucky winners in attendance. Some of Gift basket themes include: ”Top Hat”,”Balboa Park”,” Taco Tuesday”, “Spa”, “Italian Night”, “New Grandparents,” “Taste of Borrego,” a “Golf” basket, “Barbie”, “My Fair Lady”, and more. We will also have several gift certificates donated by generous local sponsors and special silent auction items to win! Want a week in Park City from May 31st-June 7th? How about a wildlife safari for 4-6 at San Diego Safari Park? Golf at de Anza Country Club and Ram’s Hill? Yellow Woman Ranch event? And More!

Entrance to the event can be purchased by making a $65 donation if purchased in advance or by paying $75 at the door if tickets are still available. Save with purchase of 4 tickets for $240. A list of ticket purchasers will be at the event entrance to provide each attendee with drink tickets for six wine tastings. Guests choosing not to drink wine can use these same tickets for the non-alcoholic beverages.

Proceeds fund local Soroptimist programs that help women reach their education and career goals. The Live Your Dream program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. These awards help women by giving them resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.

The Dream It Be It program reaches elementary, middle and high school girls through empowerment programs and scholarships. Other funds go towards tutoring, community events, seasonal giving campaigns designed to celebrate women and personal big sister support to encourage young women to be self-supporting and independent.

Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.siborregosprings.org/events/soroptimist-wine-tasting/. Click on the Buy Wine Tasting Event Tickets bar and enter $65 in the Amount field. Once this is entered, please help us receive the full $65 amount by also checking the box to pay the small fee amount charged of $1.+ that will then populate automatically.

Alternatively, tickets can be purchased by mailing checks to Soroptimist International Borrego Springs at PO Box 504, Borrego Springs, 92004.

Cheers!