A Mid Summer Italian Festival Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor’s Virtual Mid Summer Italian Festival fundraiser was fabulous! The food and wine from Paesano Restaurant & Wine Bar were superb and the informative wine talk presented by Mike Roddy and Chaad Thomas was as entertaining as it was interesting. The playlist of Italian music, compiled by Kathy Waugh, added to the ambiance. Emcee Steve Schram was extraordinary. Best of all, more than $14,000 was raised to support Rotary’s community projects! Thank you to the entire committee: co-chairs Greg Stejskal & Charlie Koopman, Joe Diederich, Lauren Heinonen, Sal Barbatano, Norman Herbert, Lori Walters, Kathy Waugh, Joanne Pierson & Peg Talburtt. And sincere gratitude to all who participated.

Ran out of wine after the Mid Summer Italian Festival? Or, never able to taste it? It’s not too late! Until supplies are gone, you can visit Paesano (stop by and/or call 734-971-0484) and purchase any of the wines featured at the dinner. Prices remain the same ($30, $40 or $50) with a portion being donated to Rotary. Reds, rose & a white available. See the descriptions below.

Want to host your own wine-tasting event, or watch Mike and Chaad’s talk on the wines separately? If you registered for the event, you’ll be provided access to the video soon. If you missed the event, you can make a $50 donation to receive a copy of the video recording. Click here to purchase!


 

Please join the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor for a special evening featuring an informative talk on Zoom by wine experts Mike Roddy, founder of Paesano Restaurant & Wine bar, and Chaad Thomas of Eagle Eye Imports. A gourmet Italian wine and dinner menu is available for purchase for pick-up from Paesano, enhancing the entire experience. This event will have a special emcee, Steve Schram, Executive Director of Michigan Radio.

Replacing our annual Golf Outing event due to Covid-19, proceeds from this event will support our community programs, including those dedicated to “Helping Kids Succeed.” During the evening’s presentation on Zoom, a special Magnum of the superb Montefalco Sagrantino, Scacciodiavolo 2015 will be auctioned (opening bid of $300, $750 minimum reserve). So travel to Italy for one night from the comfort of your own home in Michigan and know your support will improve our community in these difficult times. Molte Grazie!!

Date: August 17th, Happy Hour with music and fun, 6-7pm; Program, 7-8pm
Location: Virtual talk and auction on Zoom
Food and wine pick-up from Paesano
3411 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Price: $50/attendee* for the talk, $50 for each meal, and bottles of wine available for $30, $40, or $50.
*Please ensure all attendees, even if sharing a screen to watch the talk, are registered and pay the registration fee. Contact Lori Walters for registration questions at executivedirector@a2rotary.org or 586-764-7692

Can’t make it? 

If you aren’t able to enjoy an Italian evening in Michigan, please consider making a donation to the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor. You can also use this link to make a donation in addition to your registration.



Special thanks to our sponsor, Michigan Radio.