On Saturday March 5th, 2005, the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce hosted their 4th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser benefiting the Texas Commission for the Blind. As an organization dedicated largely to philanthropic endeavors, the DJCC was pleased to see attendance rise from 150 last year to 250 for this years’ Wine Tasting Fundraiser. The event was held at the American Fine Art Gallery in Dallas which proved to be an ideal setting for schmoozing, consuming, mingling, entertaining and fundraising. As per the theme of the event (Around the World in 80 Wines), tables were set up throughout the gallery each representing a region of the world with featured wines from that region, including Africa, Spain, North and South America, Australia, France and others. In attendance were many of Dallas’ finest young professionals, up and coming business and civic leaders, art and wine aficionados and a few vagrants such as myself to mix things up a bit. Throughout the evening resident artists were displaying their talents while creating paintings live to be later auctioned off.

The silent auction also featured works from local photographers, artwork, and donations for services and dining donated by Dallas area establishments.
It would be inappropriate not to recognize the 2005 DJCC President Matt Kobler and his Wine Tasting Committee for coordinating such a fun and successful evening. The only possible complaint someone might have is that drinking so much wine makes it hard to remember which ones you enjoyed the next day, but then I guess that is really not a bad problem to have!
Several thousand dollars were raised this year and will not only benefit the TCB but will also help to sponsor the upcoming DJCC Easter Egg Hunt for the Blind. If you are in the Dallas area I would strongly encourage you to come out to Flagpole Hill (White Rock Lake, Buckner and NW Highway) on Saturday March 19th between 8 (yes AM) and 12 to experience the real pleasure of watching children who are visually impaired enjoy the Easter tradition of hunting for eggs just as all their sighted friends do (it is also your only chance to see Bruce in a bunny suit!).
Whether or not you make it out to the Easter Egg Hunt, the 2006 Wine Tasting event is sure to be even bigger and better than 2005 so mark your calendars for March, all the cool kids will be there.

A little disclaimer: I am on the DJCC Board of Directors for 2005 as the Vice President of Operations. If you would like to learn more about the DJCC, what we do and how to get involved visit www.djcc.us.