Wine and Design Supports Environmental Education with NC Beautiful Golf Event Donation

RALEIGH, NC, March 30, 2011 (Press-News.org) Wine and Design, Raleigh's first and only wine and painting party company, is proud to announce its support of the 26th Annual NC Beautiful Golf Classic. The event will be held on July 15-17 at the Pinehurst Resort and Spa. Wine and Design has donated a two-hour painting class for four to the fundraiser's Live and Silent Auction, which is one of the highlights of the 3-day event.

Chartered in 1967, NC Beautiful was created as part of Governor Dan K. Moore's pledge to emphasize preserving the state's physical beauty. The goal behind Governor Moore's vision was to use the gifts North Carolina was blessed with—its natural resources, scenery, climate, and physical variety—to provide economic and quality of life benefits for the people of North Carolina. That vision became NC Beautiful's mission. The NC Beautiful Golf Classic has been a state tradition for 26 years and is the organization's principle fundraising event. The annual event attracts sponsors and donors from across the state of North Carolina. NC Beautiful Executive Director, Steve Vacendak, says that donations, made by companies like Wine and Design, help support educational grants and scholarships that help perpetuate the natural beauty of North Carolina.

"Wine and Design's contribution of a unique, artistic experience will be well received by the folks attending the NC Beautiful Golf Classic at Pinehurst," says Vacendak. "More importantly, on behalf of all of our teachers, we are appreciative of Wine and Design's support of environmental education in North Carolina."

Since opening its doors on April of last year, Wine and Design has been very active in supporting charitable events throughout their community. In addition to their recent contribution to NC Beautiful, the company has also supported the Susan G. Komen Foundation, StepUP Ministry, InterAct's Rock for Kids event, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The company also hosts in-house fundraising events with a portion of the profits going directly toward the cause. Wine and Design co-owner, Harriet Mills, says that she and fellow co-owner Emmy Preiss, are drawn to causes that involve women and children.

"When Emmy and I heard about NC Beautiful and the work they do to assist our educators in teaching our children about the environment, we knew we wanted to do something to help," says Mills. "Both Emmy and I have children and understand the importance of teaching this generation about the importance of environmental stewardship. A lot of our paintings depict the beauty of nature, and we're grateful for organizations like NC Beautiful that are committed to ensuring that the beauty of North Carolina is preserved for this generation and for future generations."

About Wine and Design
Wine and Design is the dream of longtime friends and business partners Emmy Preiss and Harriet Mills. The premise of the business is to provide "memories and a masterpiece" in just two hours. Painting sessions are led by a local artist who provides step-by-step instructions to first-time painters, aspiring artists, or self-proclaimed pro's that result in an individualized work of art. Wine and Design accepts general reservations, but also books private parties. Bridal showers, baby showers, Bunco, and girls' night out are just a few of their offerings, as well as a selection of events just for kids. The company also hosts fundraisers, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the cause. For more information, call (919) 374-0667 or visit their website at http://www.wineanddesignnc.com.

About NC Beautiful
NC Beautiful has been part of the state's environmental preservation community for 40 years, supporting awareness, education and beautification efforts that affect our quality of life. Today, we concentrate on hands-on and merit-based programs designed to empower our citizens to preserve the natural beauty of the state of North Carolina. Whether it's school children building outdoor classrooms, graduate students developing cutting edge research, or a Boy Scout troop planting azaleas at an elder care facility, we make it possible for North Carolinians to keep NC Beautiful. For more information, visit http://www.ncbeautiful.org.

Media Contacts
Louise Cottrell, President
FireBrand Marketing, Inc.
(919) 848-1025
louisec@firebrandmarketing.com

Steve Vacendak, Executive Director
NC Beautiful
(919) 828-3190
svacendak@ncbeautiful.org

Louise Carey, Programs Manager
NC Beautiful
(919) 828-3190
lcarey@ncbeautiful.org