Family and Children's Services Hosts Annual Wines Around the World Event

“Wines Around the World,” the ninth annual wine-tasting benefit in support of Family and Children’s Services, was held Sunday, March 16, at the Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace. 

The funds raised by the event will be used for the nonprofit’s trauma treatment center. Family and Children’s Services is a nonprofit that serves children, adolescents and their families who experience the effects of sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse. The nonprofit also provides school-based counseling in seven elementary schools in Harford County, general counseling and adult day care. 

“Wines Around the World” featured themed food stations with American, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine prepared by the Vandiver Inn, and desserts were donated by Klein’s ShopRite. The Vineyard Wine Bar paired six wines at each of the food stations. Guests received a scorecard in their programs to note each varietal and vintage they tasted and had the opportunity to score each in a variety of categories including visual, aroma, texture, taste, finish and overall impression. 

The afternoon also featured a silent auction and raffle board with items such as jewelry from Saxon’s Diamond Centers and Smyth’s Jewelers, a basket of sports memorabilia that included items from the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles and Washington Capitals, a learn- to-ski and snowboard package for two to Ski Liberty Resort, Chipotle catering for 20 and more. 

Music was provided by The Paul Howshall Trio. 

On display at the event were works of art produced by children as part of their counseling sessions, describing their situations and how they are overcoming them.  One of the art works included the word SAD painted very large to represent the feeling the child had about being removed from her home because of sexual abuse. 

“Many people ask how they can make a difference,” said Amy Wagner, district director of Family and Children’s Services. “You make a difference by supporting programs that make a difference. Family and Children’s Services make a difference in the lives of those we serve every day.” 

Sponsors of the event included The Vineyard Wine Bar, Vandiver Inn, Klein’s ShopRite, Stark & Keenan, P.A., Callegary & Steedman, P.A., Scootsie and Bill Hatter  and MediaWise, Inc. 

For more information about Family & Children’s Services, visit fcsmd.org.