It’s colouring and consumption for a cause.
Last year’s Palette of Penticton fundraiser played to such rave reviews the Rotary Club of Penticton decided to serve up a second course.
That’s where Rotarian Bill Everden stepped in, assembling a unique evening pairing local artists and artwork with food and beverage vendors.
Best of all the money raised from the Jan. 27 event at the Penticton Seniors Drop-in Centre at 2965 South Main St. will go to Rotary’s $150,000 commitment to the Youth Engagement Strategy Project (YES) and the Penticton Youth Resource Centre.
Related: YES Project finds Penticton youth centre a home
YES is scheduled to take possession of a 21,000-square-foot building at 501 Main St. on Jan. 15 for the youth centre.
The centre will be a one-stop hub of integrated services for youth 12-24 years old and will focus on providing mental health support, basic needs and a safe place for youth from the Penticton area.
The ultimate goal is to prevent in-need youth from falling through the cracks which has been identified as a serious problem in the region.
According to Everden Penticton is all about wine and art which will be highlighted during the evening.
“This is destined to be one of the best events of the winter, a treat during the cold weather and winter blahs,” he said.
The Palette of Penticton features seven wineries, four breweries, one distillery and seven food vendors.
Attendees will receive food tasting tickets and a wine glass to taste the wares at the different stations, all the while enjoying live music performed by the Martin Street Gallery Jazz Trio and viewing the local artwork on display for the live and silent auctions.
No stranger to the microphone, Rotarian George Gordon will handle the auction duties.
Up for bids will be artwork by Robyn Lake, Cecille Derkatch, Michel Martel, Linda Lovisa and the distinctive style of Tara Kelly. One of the pieces that is getting lots of talk is a limited edition print by Robert Suchiu signed by David Suzuki titled: Metamorphosis.
One of the unique additions to this year’s event is some performance art.
“Artist Lisa Heinrich will be doing sketches for those who want their sketch done,” says Everden. “As well, during the event artist Tara Kelly will be painting, and Rene Matheson and Kindrie Grove will be sculpting, giving participants a rare look into how artists create.”
Tickets are $35 and include two food tasting tickets and souvenir wine glass. Extra food tickets can be purchased for a toonie. Wine, beer and spirits tasting is included.
Tickets are available through Rotarians, at Red Bag’s Cherry Lane location, and at Martin Street Art and Music Gallery.