NOTL Rotarians holding Icewine Cocktail Party

The Icewine Cocktail Party, one of the signature fundraisers of the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake, is returning after a two-year absence.

“Gracious hosts Rick and Gianna Dritsacos will welcome guests to their garden for an evening of one food, wine, cocktails beer and entertainment,” says club member Trish Spagnol says, describing an elegant outdoor afair, “after being greeted with campaign and caviar.”

“Multiple food stations offer entries, including beef tenderloin, sushi and cheese raclettes, accompanied by donated trays of appetizers and sweets,” she adds, to be followed b an ice cream station.

The entertainment will be provided by “the soft sounds of talented local musicians, the Athertones.”

This black and white, casual dress event would not be possible without the continued generous support of local winners, restaurants and sponsors, including lead sponsor Nancy Bailey of Engel & Volkers of Oakville, says Spagnol.

All proceeds will be equally divided between Rotary International’s ongoing projects worldwide, and Red Roof Retreat, the local organization that provides programming, including summer camps, for special needs children, young adults and their families. The Rotary Club of NOTL has been a sustainable donor since its founder, Steffanie Bjorgan, established this essential organization in 2006, says Spagnol. The funding raised from the Rotary event will allow for future expansion, including larger accommodations and hopefully offering weekend respite this fall.

Chris Hatch, a relative newcomer to town and to the Rotary Club, says he joined to meet people, and to find ways to give back to the community he now calls home, “and to have fun.”

He’s finding his goals have been quickly met, as he helped out with the vaccine clinic held outdoors, planted tulips at Simcoe Park, and recently flipped pancakes on Canada Day.

He’s never been to a Rotary’s Icewine Cocktail Party, since they were cancelled during the first two years of COVID, but is looking forward the the September event.

“The icewine project tends to work for us — the tickets are usually sold out,” he says. “The garden is beautiful, so the venue will be spectacular.”

Hatch says he’s been impressed with the club since he joined, not just because of the events it hosts, but for the level of community engagement, and the breadth of the fundraising recipients, from international projects to community organizations such as Red Roof Retreat.

And for this particular event, there will be great food, lots of community support, and lots of fun, he says. 

The event is Sept. 17, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at the Hiscott House, 78 Prideaux St.

Tickets, at $150 each including tax, gratuity and a tax receipt of $50, are limited. For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://niagaraonthelakerotary.ca/page/icewine-cocktail-party.