Winery passes on $7,500 check to children’s charity

Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa on Tuesday presented the Boys and Girls Club with a $7,500 check from a recent 50th anniversary chili cook-off.

The wine retailer invited local businesses Aug. 26 to the fundraiser. Salesman and event organizer Jeff McKinney said he expected two vendors to contribute an additional $2,500, boosting the total to $10,000.

Dan Monahan, executive director of the Harbor Area Boys and Girls Club, said the funds go toward after-school programs, supplies and even staff.

“We did have an issue before this came up, so this answered our prayers, if you want to put it that way,” he said.

— Michael Miller