29th Annual Red Wine and Blues Event

By: Nadjha Johnson

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Nadjha Johnson

Photo Description:

Erick Martinez and Candice Destefano, from Redlands Hangar 24, came out support the event and donate beers: Betty IPA, Orange Wheat and Alt-Bier.

Recently, the Redlands Country Club was the venue for the 29th Annual Red Wine and Blues event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Redlands. The funds raised from the event will go toward scholarships for deserving young adults, assisting and recognizing students that excel despite adversity, helping increase literacy and leadership in the community and helping local service agencies. The Rotary Club of Redlands’ main goal is to make a difference in the community and live by the motto, "service above self." The facilitity filled up with community members in no time, who came out to support the Rotary Club of Redlands and indulge in fine wines and brews pared with foods and desserts. All of the food, wine and beer was donated to this event by sponsors including BevMo Redlands, Wine Warehouse, Hangar 24 Redlands, Brewcakes Dessert Gastropub and Parliament Chocolate. Local guests Margie and Jessica Ramirez shared, “the BevMo Sangria is definitely our favorite”. The very talented Blues band, Big Papa, and the TCB filled the Redlands Country Club and the ears of attendees. Jim Pinder, President of the Rotary Club of Redlands, and Kevin Correia, former President, explained that the mission of the 102-member club is to support and recognize outstanding students in the community through donations and scholarships. Some of the supporters at the event were already on their way to becoming future “Rotarians”. When asked what compelled her to want to become a part of the Rotary Club, Megan Barich, Vice President of Barich & Associates explained, “I like their many charities, they are really dedicated to helping people better their lives.” “Communal support” was the motif of the event; Ricci Dula, District Director of Boy Scouts of America, was also in attendance. Dula shared, “coming out to these events is a way to cross pollinate with others who are positively contributing to the community as well."