Editor,

There are so many ways that people can give back to the community and one of those ways is through their time and talent.

United Way of Island County just finished a successful Instant Wine Cellar event and it could not have happened without the time and talent of many individuals and businesses.

A big thank you to the following:

The Instant Wine Cellar Event Planning Committee consisting of Sheila Saul, Kathi Phillips, Paige Bates, Bill Weinsheimer, Jim Cloore and Melissa Riker. The United Way Board of directors who donated the wine and beer to make the wine cellar and 99 bottles of beer on the wall raffle. Those members are Bill Weinsheimer, Becky Bolte, Jim Cloore, Michele Mckenna, Paige Bates, Melissa Riker, Jeff McMahan, and Linda Gipson. Other raffle prizes were donated by Rhonda Severns and Paint Your World, Paige and Tony Bates, Melissa Riker, Kathi Phillips, Mark Brown, A Touch of Dutch, Sheila and George Saul, Toby’s, Front Street Grill, 3 Sisters and Spoiled Dog Winery. SIPS of wine and beer were provided by Flyers Restaurant, Jim Cloore and Whidbey Island Winery. BITES were provided by Brett’s Bread, Coupeville Bistro, Elks, Frasers, Knead & Feed, Louie G’s, Rustica and Whidbey General Hospital. Our event photographer Stephanie Pulliam from All Around Pictures.

The event was highlighted by our celebrity servers who were Rep. Dave Hayes, Island County commissioners Helen Price Johnson and Jill Johnson, Oak Harbor City Councilman Bob Severns, Oak Harbor Fire Chief Ray Merrill, Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, Coupeville Mayor candidate Molly Hughes, Coupeville Town Councilwoman Jackie Henderson, Oak Harbor Chamber Director Christine Cribb, Island Thrift VP Alex Pfeiffer and, representing Whidbey Island Bank, Melissa McCumber and Bruce VanTassell. They not only were amazing servers, but donated their tips back to United Way.

Thanks also to Whidbey Island Bank — a Division of Heritage Bank for their sponsorship grant and to Island Thrift for their matching grant of $5,262.

It is so rewarding to live in a community that has so many individuals, companies and organizations that give of their time, talent and treasure.

Cathy Niiro, Executive Director

United Way of Island County