‘Grapes for Grads’ is a vine celebration

A wine tasting hosted Sunday by the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International on the Festival of Arts Grounds raised enough money to fund four, $1,500 scholarships for Laguna Beach students.

“Everybody had a great time and we exceeded our fund-raising goals,” event committee member Steve Dotoratos said.

Two of the scholarships will be awarded to Laguna Beach High School graduating seniors, two will go to Laguna Beach College of Art & Design students. Funds raised in excess of the scholarships will be split by the two presenting groups.

About 400 people attended the event, which included entertainment by Jazz Angels, an opportunity to win a one-night stay at Montage Resort & Spa and a silent auction of local art works and field level tickets to an Angels-Yankees game.

A La Carte donated the hors d’oeuvres and a chocolate fountain. GG’s Cafe Bistro contributed the shishkabobs and Laguna Beach Brewery donated beer.

“More than 20 wineries participated,” Dotoratos said. “It was a raving success.”

Chamber Government Affairs Council and Rotary member Jeff Redeker chaired the event, assisted by Tom and Pamela Simpson, Yvette Cercone and Dotoratos, all chamber members.

GAMBLING ON SUPPORT

Laguna Beach pro footballer Rob Johnson, who last played for the Raiders, will be among the athletes dealing for dollars to support the Child Abuse Prevention Center in Orange County.

His wife, Dana, is a member of the Wives of Professional Athletes, which is putting on the Casino Night on Thursday, May 25, at Bistango restaurant’s Atrium Court in Irvine.

The center’s mission is to prevent child abuse by intervening early in the lives of at-risk families, to educate and support parents and to break the generational cycle of abuse by strengthening the parent-child relationship in the home. The Exchange Club of Laguna Beach is a long-time financial supporter of the center

Casino Night tickets are $150, which includes a champagne greeting, hors d’oeuvres, an opportunity prize ticket and 25 chips.

A limited number of VIP tickets are $500 and include all of the above and access to the Athletes’ Lounge.

Four sponsorships levels are being offered: Royal Flush, $10,000; Flush, $5,000; Full House, $3,000; and One Pair, $1,000. Each comes with special perks, including publicizing the donor’s name, said the center’s Ruth Weaver. Contact her at (714) 955-6575 for more information.

All proceeds will directly benefit the center’s “Teen Choices, Teen Voices,” teen pregnancy prevention program.

Reservations are required by May 19. To make a reservation, call (714) 543-4333 or purchase tickets online with PayPal at www.brightfutureskids.com.