Vine to Wine Fundraiser Attracts Hundreds

More than 460 people turned out to sample fine wines, gourmet food and bid on live and silent auction items to support A Kid's Place Friday night.

The fourth annual Wine to Vine event was held May 13 at The Regent. Wines donated by Premier Beverage were plentiful for the fundraiser as were appetizers prepared by Chef Dave West of The Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium.

On hand for the occasion was Wayne Witczak, executive director of Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, which oversees A Kid's Place on Lithia-Pinecrest Road in Brandon, a shelter for abused and neglected children. He thanked those responsible for the night's festivities, and introduced Karlee Leliani Perez, aka Maxine, a professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment. Perez recently visited A Kid's Place and signed autographs for the children living there.

Also on hand for the event was A Kid's Place founder Dottie Berger, a former county commissioner and tireless children's advocate, and Kids Charity of Tampa Bay board chair Jon Yob.

The event was hosted by the Trey Curry Foundation. The Trey Curry Foundation was formed by Valrico residents Clif and Terry Curry following the death of their son, Trey, March 1, 2008. The foundation's purpose is to assist children in need. Their daughter, Mary Beth Curry, serves as executive director of the foundation.

Clif Curry thanked all those in attendance, focusing special attention on those who helped organize the night's festivities: Kelly Bock, Katie Busciglio, Kathy Collins, Mary Beth Curry, April Diemer, Stacey Hansen, Nanci March, Mark Marchetta, Marron McCarty-Teague, Kerri McDougald, Thomas Paul, Patty Reynolds, Bridget Robertson, Jamie Seagren and Wayne Witczak.