You?re going to get many grape ladies for the price of one with this column.
Monyka Berrocosa, known professionally as “M,” created a premier women-only wine event ? The Women?s Wine and Dine ? two years ago. Now with more than 3,500 members in the Baltimore area, Women?s Wine & Dine is about “education, not intimidation,” and it has lifted “M” to a higher place on the vine.
But last Thursday?s gathering at the Spirits of Mount Vernon (900 N. Charles St.) was a celebration of her first book ? “One Sip at a Time.”
Citigroup Smith Barney?s Jennifer Campion, who was at the first Wine & Dine event two years ago, was thrilled to get a copy, as was Allison Doriss, who made the trek from her Phoenix business ? 4 Corners Fine Wine, Spirits, and Beer. Allison?s store now sports the area?s largest climate-controlled wine section, and famous “Wine Guy” Mike Crivello is now a part of her team.
Monyka?s commitment to giving back is the force behind Women?s Wine & Dine, and this year?s event raised more than $30,000 and distributed it to more than 12 charities. The book signing was no different with a portion of the proceeds going to the nonprofit Literacy Works.
Vicky Schassler, one of the owners of the Spirits of Mount Vernon, said HGTV?s Restore America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation joined Midtown Development Corp. recently in celebrating the remarkable restoration of her business. Her building originally housed MacGillivray?s Drugstore. An award of $65,000 from a national competition recognized the outstanding efforts that went into preserving this historic building.
And thanks to Carol Fling of A Vintner?s Selection Wholesaler for keeping the bubbly flowing.
A LITTLE BIT OF COUNTRY COMING OUR WAY
There?s nothing little about 6-foot-4 country crooner Alan Jackson, who will perform at the 1st Mariner Arena on Sept. 16.
But it?s a really big deal to the folks at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, who hosted a kick-off party last week to announce the big news. With the help of the MUSE Foundation, CFF nabbed one of country music?s top entertainers to headline its 19th annual benefit concert.
CFF friends and supporters who gathered at the Camden Club included Johns Hopkins top doc Peter J. Mogayzel, MUSE Executive Director Larry Kushner, MUSE Founder Kenn Roberts, CFF?s Special Events Coordinator Tricia Bowley and the Gov?s guy Dennis Castleman.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner. You can e-mail her at [email protected].
