The 11 Annual Westchester Wine Experience This event in large part was for the benefit of the Food Bank of Westchester. Kay Flint Coppinger(Senior Director Development) told me that donations help to buy food. She said for every dollar received it had the equivalent value of $4. The Problem is that the local demand has increased 30% in the last year. For more info or to assist please visit their web site. www.foodbankforwestchester.com

I was invited to this event by Tony Russo of Aries Wine and Spirits. (128 West Post Road White Plains) Tony has 30+ years in Business and is a main stay of this annual event (sponsoring since it's inception) Tony helped coordinate the events Wineries and Restauteurs. I had run into Tony a few days earlier (again at a charity event) at that event Tony generously donated a 10 person in home wine tasting as a bidded item. He said giving back has always been a part of how he does business. (http://aries-wine.com/)

Mike Brooks Chairperson of the event told me of the efforts of Susan Fasnacht and Marilyn Canapi were instrumental in putting the event together. The Pleasantville Rotary was proud to say that they along with the many vounteers that helped out, hoped to put the "Fun" back in Fundraising! (http://www.rotaryclubpleasantville.com/about.htm) I ran into a few associates who were attedees. Anthony Marmo of Clover Comfort Heating and Cooling (http://www.clovercool.com/), Raffaele De Gennaro of winedineguide magazine (http://www.winedineguide.com) and Howard Landeck Sales Director of Ravenscroft Crystal (www.ravenscroftcrystal). They were in agreement that supporting the Food Bank and the Pleasantville Rotary was great thing to do. The 3 all shared the sentiment that the day was a fantastic opportunity to
network as well.

I'd like to highlight a few of the particpants that I was albe to share time with. Gustavo Zuluaga of the Crabtree's KittleHouse, Randy Winston of Edible Arrangements, Nalini Addanki of of Bollywood Bistro, Cristal of La Casa Tobacco Company and Rob Del Balzo of Nuttin to it. All were happy to particate and give back; additionally they were able to highlight their companies image, prestige and credibility. Everyone found it to be a great networking opportunity and a showcase to distiquish themselves as some of the area's finest.

Charity, Networking and Sponsoring is smart busiiness!

Joe Corbalis
Cheif Networking Officer The Westchester Business Connection