BMW raffle is a winning formula
Laura Brost | Orlando Sentinel Staff Writer
June 4, 2007
Any fundraising event at which a BMW is raffled off is bound to draw a crowd.
The sixth annual Art of the Vine fundraiser, hosted by Fields BMW in Winter Park, did just that in April, raising more than $250,000 for New Hope for Kids. The Maitland-based organization works with children traumatized by a family death, often one involving homicide or suicide. It also provides support for seriously ill children in the region.
“It’s really become a community event,” said David Joswick, executive director of New Hope for Kids. “We have such an important mission for the community, once people understand what we’re doing . . . the money flows. So events like Art of the Vine we use for awareness as well as having a fun event.”
Fields BMW donated the new vehicle for the raffle, while local restaurants Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Winter Park, Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Lake Mary, Seasons 52 in Orlando, Antonio’s Ristorante in Maitland, Cafe Tu Tu Tango in Orlando, Le Cellier Steakhouse in Disney World’s Epcot, Brio Tuscan Grill in Orlando, Harmoni Market in College Park, Panera Bread in Altamonte Springs and Puff ‘n Stuff Catering LLC in Orlando donated the food for more than 650 guests.
Auction items were provided by local businesses and drinks were donated by Darden Restaurants of Orlando, Bacardi USA Inc. of Miami, Wayne Densch Inc. of Sanford and Showtenders Inc. of Tampa. Other corporate sponsors included Walt Disney World Co., Tarragon Corp. in Orlando, Bank of America Auto Group in Orlando, Tavistock Group of Windermere, Orlando Sentinel Communications, The Westye Group Southeast Inc. of Orlando, Bright House Networks, G&G Advertising Inc. of Orlando, Crews Printing LLC of Longwood, Toshiba Business Solutions of Orlando and Continental Airlines in Orlando.
Laura Brost can be reached at 407-420-6063 or [email protected].
