Le Tour de Vin Raises More than $150,000

Fourteenth Annual Le Tour de Vin Posts Great Success,

Raises More than $150,000 for Norman Community

 

The 2016 Le Tour de Vin drew nearly 500 guests over the three-day event and raised more than $150,000 through sponsorships, reservations, auctions, a wine pull and donations.

 

This year’s event was dedicated to The Studio of The Sooner Theatre, 101 E Main St., donating $50,000 of the proceeds. The Theatre is using the money to benefit its studio project, which teaches young people a variety of skills in the performing arts, such as acting, singing and stage design. Rotarians plan to raise an additional $50,000 for The Theatre again through the 2017 event.

 

Le Tour de Vin 2016 consisted of three separate functions over the course of a weekend in early June. It began with a small painting and wine affair on Thursday evening, followed by a Wine and Dine on Friday and ended with the big event on Saturday night at the Marriott Conference Center. The big event offers patrons opportunities to enjoy fine wine, good food, music and a festive atmosphere.

 

Since it was established in 2003, the annual wine tasting fundraiser has generated nearly $605,000 in direct benefit to organizations that serve Norman, such as Food and Shelter for Friends, Bridges high school living center, the Center for Children and Families, Mary Abbot House, Thunderbird Clubhouse, American Red Cross, and The Studio of The Sooner Theatre.

 

Starting out as a joint project between Norman’s Cross Timbers Rotary Club and the Cleveland County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the event has grown in size and stature. Le Tour de Vin has grown to be the second-largest event of its kind in Oklahoma.

 

In 2008, Le Tour de Vin picked up steam when the Cross Timbers Club joined forces with Norman’s Noon Rotary Club and the Sooner Rotary Club. Members from each club volunteer their time, donate auction items, and most importantly, attend with their friends, colleagues and other members of the community, making each year a big success.

 

Norman’s three Rotary clubs use the remaining proceeds from Le Tour de Vin to benefit other nonprofit organizations in Norman, helping to provide housing for our City’s homeless and many Rotary International Projects, as part of their continuing effort to fulfill a broad range of community needs. Since its beginning, Le Tour de Vin has raised a net income of $1,101,799. Rotary can make a difference!

 

Le Tour de Vin is not only one of the most enjoyable events sponsored by Rotarians in Norman; it is the most beneficial to the local community.