October is breast cancer awareness month and the focus on women’s health issues is at the forefront of many current Santa Clarita Valley events, including the sixth annual Wine Affair… Sip, Stroll and Savor the sounds fundraiser.

On Sunday the streets of Town Center Drive in Valencia were alive with the sound of music as more than 300 participants enjoyed wine, food and music at the Wine Affair hosted by Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley.

“I am so excited about our wine event today,” said Vanessa Wilk, president of Soroptimist International of Greater SCV. “We’re so excited to support women’s health issues and we’re so grateful for all the support we’ve received from sponsors and our guests today.”

Nearly a dozen participating venues included Ro Ma Jewelers, which hosted the sponsor VIP venue, The Vines Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, Hot Wings Café, Salt Creek Grille, Larsen’s Steakhouse, The Ivy Day Spa, Blo-out Lounge, Valencia Wine Co., J.Jill, Thelma’s & Luis restaurant, Pottery Barn and Pinot’s Palette.

Guests walked the length of Town Center Drive to sample wine, food and beer at the various venues, which were marked by colorful purple balloons arranged in the shape of a bunch of grapes.

A champagne toast for VIPs and sponsors, held at Ro Ma Jewelers, kicked off the Wine Affair an hour before the other venues opened.

Rebecca Johnston, Wine Affair event chairwoman, said the event was a great way to raise money to help women and girls around the world.

“Thank you so much for being here,” she said. “We’re going to have a great day.”

Champagne glasses clinked and were raised after Sandi Naba, a member of the Wine Affair committee, invited everyone to raise a toast to the event sponsors.

Food and beverage was provided by Thelma’s & Luis restaurant, Salt Creek Grille, Wolf Creek restaurant, Wolf Creek Brewery, Persia Restaurant, Truffles ‘n Toffee, Piccola Trattoria, Nuggucciet Cellars, Magnavino Cellars, Estrella Creek, BevMo, The Vines Restaurant, Larsen’s Steakhouse, Pinots Palette, Hot Wings Cafe, Pisoni Vineyards, Southern Wine & Spirits, Fireman’s Brew, Wine Warehouse, Jasmine Thai BBQ, Sort This Out Cellars, Cheers at All Corked Up.

LA Lobster Party provided food at the sponsor VIP venue.

Guy LeLarge, owner of Valencia Wine Company, said he was pleased to be able to participate in every Wine Affair since the event began six years ago.

“We wouldn’t miss it,” he said. Valencia Wine Company recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary in the SCV. “We enjoy being part of this event. It’s all about enjoying good wine and good company.”

Music was featured at nearly every venue and included Fahr West, Dorian Gray and Eternal Youth, Lance Allyn, Hagen Jazz, Masters of the Past, G3, Doug Dunlap, Blue Sky, Eliot Witherspoon, Quartet and Andre Vibe.

Myles McNamara of Comfort Keepers, In-Home Care, the title sponsor of the Wine Affair, said he was pleased that Comfort Keepers was able to serve as title sponsor for the second straight year.

“The women of Soroptimist International of Greater SCV are great to work with,” said McNamara. “Comfort Keepers helps adult daughters take care of their parents like the women of Soroptimist help women and girls across the world.”

Cheri Fleming, president of Soroptimist International of the Americas, said she is very proud to be part of “the giving spirit of the Santa Clarita Valley.”

“I am so proud to be part of this event,” said Fleming, who also represented Valencia Acura as a Barrel Sponsor of the event. “What a beautiful way to combine volunteerism and business for the best cause in the world, improving the lives of women and girls. Women’s health issues are an important part of the work of Soroptimist.”

Volunteers from Soroptimist International of Greater SCV served as greeters at each venue and provided the “heavy” lifting of keeping wine glasses and ice stocked at each venue.

“We learned how to use a commercial dishwasher,” said Susan Reynolds, immediate past president of Soroptimist International of Greater SCV. She was assisted in dishwashing duties by Laurene Weste, Santa Clarita Mayor Pro Tem and one of the newest members of Soroptimist International of Greater SCV.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” said Weste.  

Soroptimist International is a worldwide service organization for business and professional women. For more information about Soroptimist International of Greater SCV visit www.sigscv.org. For membership information email the Kris Hough, membership vice president, at membership@sigscv.org.

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