Wine and Design Raises $1,300 for Breast Cancer with First Fundraising Painting Event

RALEIGH, NC, September 24, 2010 (Press-News.org) Wine and Design, Raleigh's first and only wine and painting party company, recently held its first in-house fundraising event to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day for the Cure . A group called "Your Girls and Mine" - made up of 11 women representing six states - booked the August 28th event that attracted 43 participants and raised a total of $2,600—50% of which will go directly to the cause. Like all Wine and Design events, the evening featured fun, food, wine, and a special painting for the occasion—a ballerina in pink.

"The energy that was in the studio that evening was electrifying," says Wine and Design partner Harriet Mills. "We had breast cancer survivors sharing their stories, friends and family members showing their support for loved ones, and folks who just wanted to do something to help us raise awareness for breast cancer research. It was an amazing evening and all of the paintings came out perfect!"

For the fundraising event, Wine and Design provided the canvas, cover-up, paints, paintbrushes, and corkscrew. A local artist was on hand to guide the attendees through a carefully orchestrated, step-by-step process that produced a finished "masterpiece" for all the painters at the end of the two-hour session. "Your Girls and Mine" team captain, Bethann Wilkie, said it was an all-around spectacular event.

"So many great women came and shared their stories with me. It was very touching," says Wilkie. "I truly appreciate all of the efforts made by Harriet and Emmy [Emmy Preiss, Wine and Design partner] on behalf of our event and applaud Wine and Design for being such a great and unique company."

Since opening its doors on April of this year, Wine and Design has been very active in supporting charitable events throughout their community. In addition to the Susan G. Komen fundraiser, the company has supported StepUP Ministry, Interact's Rock for Kids event, Pancreatic Cancer Society, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"We're proud of our community outreach and will continue to do what we can in order to support those causes near and dear to us," says Mills. "Both Emmy and I are drawn to organizations that support children and women and we look forward to seeking out partnerships that allow us to use our company to make a positive difference in our community."

J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines also contributed to the "Your Girls and Mine" fundraising event by supplying wine to all event participants. They also donated a wooden case of three of the company's more expensive wines to help raise additional money for the fundraiser, as well as 10% of all wine sales through The Wine Merchant.

"Your Girls and Mine" are still accepting donations on behalf of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. Checks should be made payable to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day for the Cure and mailed to 2131 Coleman Drive, Winterville, NC 28590. For instructions on how to submit an online donation, send an email inquiry to Bethann Wilkie at bethann.wilkie@yahoo.com.

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 the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day for the Cure
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day for the CureTM is an amazing 60-mile journey that helps mothers, sisters, spouses, and friends get one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Join us for three inspirational days where together we'll walk so long, so far, and with so much hope, the world will hear our footsteps.
Everyone who participates in the Komen 3-Day for the Cure discovers her (or his!) own personal meaning. For some, it's the overwhelming pride that comes from completing what they thought was impossible. For others, it's the joy of doing something so big and bold they know they've made a difference. And for many, it's the opportunity to bond with loved ones or forge new friendships that last a lifetime. For more information, visit http://www.the3day.org.

Press Contacts:
Louise Cottrell
FireBrand Marketing, Inc.
(919) 302-9010
louisec@firebrandmarketing.com

Bethann Wilkie
Team Captain, Your Girls and Mine
Bethann.Wilkie@yahoo.com