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YMCA To Host Annual Wine-Tasting Fundraiser

D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE, Tribune photo

Members of the Corks and Forks 2007 planning committee include, from left, seated, chairwomen Terry Curry and Patty Reynolds, standing, Susan Saunders, Diana Niles, Hope Schneider, Mags Oldman, Claudia Yake, Kathleen Suchora, Jami Fencel. Also on the committee are Gail Kraynak, Cindy Sofarelli, Meredith Tenouri, Sarah Vincent and Mark Mann.

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 1, 2007

Lithia - Lithia - The Napa Valley may seem a long way from Brandon now, but come Nov. 9 from 7 to 11 p.m. residents will enjoy the fruits of the California countryside right in their own back yard.

That's when the Brandon area YMCAs host their third annual YMCA Corks and Forks fundraiser at the Palmetto Club in FishHawk Ranch.

This year's theme, "A Night in Napa Valley," celebrates the wines produced in the Napa Valley region of California. Each tasting selection will be chosen to represent the range of wines from Napa's world-famous vineyards. An elegant sit-down gourmet meal also will be served, according to third-time committee co-chairwoman Patty Reynolds.

Terry Curry will help Reynolds chair the event for the second year.

A former teacher, Reynolds is married to financial consultant and Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce board of director Jeffrey Reynolds. They have been Brandon residents since 1986 and have two children, Jason, 9, and Jessica, 4.

"I've always appreciated what the Y does for the community and I thought this was a good way of giving back to Brandon because it benefits so many people," said Reynolds of the fundraiser, which raises money for the YMCA's Building Strong Kids Campaign. The campaign provides financial assistance to thousands of Brandon-area children and families who could not otherwise afford to participate in YMCA programs. These families include the area's foster children. The Brandon area has more foster families than any other part of the county.

Curry, who teamed up with Reynolds after attending the first Corks and Forks fundraiser where she said she was also compelled by the focus on foster families, especially the testimonials from foster parents at the fundraiser who talked about what a difference the YMCA made in the lives of the children.

Curry, who owned and was principal of Brandon Academy before retiring three years ago, has lived in Brandon with her husband, attorney Clif Curry, and three children, since 1983. During that time she's been involved in numerous fundraisers including the honorary mayor's race, Center Place, the Gatsby Affair for the American Cancer Society and school fundraisers.

Nearly 250 YMCA supporters turned out for last year's event, which featured the presentation of the inaugural Ray Campo Award to a YMCA volunteer who, like Campo, devoted his time and talents to the YMCA.

A longtime Brandon resident, Campo became a volunteer with the Tampa YMCA in 1972 and later served as its president. He donated the 8-acre property for the Campo YMCA and 67 acre-Camp Cristina property, and was well-known for his philanthropic work throughout the community, died Oct. 31 at the age of 80, just a month after the award was named in his honor.

"He's known as the godfather of the Tampa Y," said Laurie Ellis, YMCA district vice president, who knew Campo for 23 years.

One of the highlights of the fundraisers, as well as the biggest moneymaker, is the silent auction. This year the committee is adding a live auction as well, hoping to top the $32,000 it raised at last year's Corks and Forks.

"This is the signature gala for the Brandon area YMCAs so we're looking at ways to really make this a success," said Curry.

"This is such an important event because all of the money stays right here in the community to support children and families who need our financial assistance," said Reynolds.

Silent auction committee chairwoman Susan Saunders and members Claudia Yake and Kathleen Suchora are currently seeking items for the auction.

Other committee members are Hope Schneider, Mags Oldman, Jami Fencel, Gail Kraynak, Cindy Sofarelli, Meredith Tenouri, Sarah Vincent, Diana Niles and Mark Mann.
To donate items, contact Diana Niles at (813) 684-1371, Ext. 207.
2007 event contributors include returning title sponsor Apex Mortgage and media sponsor The Brandon News & Tribune. Other sponsors include Mosaic, Brandon Buick, Newland Communities, Flooring America, Professional Accounting and Star Distribution. Additional sponsorships and corporate tables are available. Contact Niles.

ickets are $100 for members and $125 for nonmembers and are available at the Brandon Family YMCA, Campo Family YMCA and FishHawk Ranch YMCA Express. Reservations also can be made by contacting Mags Oldman at (813) 684-1371, Ext. 208.

D'Ann Lawrence White is a reporter for The Brandon News & Tribune

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