A great night for the Chula Vista Library Foundation as it hosts its first fundraiser

Date Added: February 11, 2008
Story By: Jennifer Muller

It was a big night for the Chula Vista Library Foundation (CVLF) which hosted their first ever wine tasting and heirloom discovery event on Saturday night. The event was held at the Montevalle Community Center in San Miguel Ranch, and was held to benefit the Chula Vista Library Foundation. The community was invited and local businesses provided both the food and wine. They also had an heirloom discovery section, where guest could bring their family heirlooms to get them evaluated by five local appraisers. The turn out for the event was overwhelming and there are sure to be plans for this event annually.

The CVLF is a non-profit organization which supports programs and services in the Chula Vista Pubic Library. The goal of the CVLF is to help raise additional funds from both the community and to get local area businesses involved in the Library. With city budget cuts, the library needs the support to help continue many of its programs and services. This event was put together by both the board of directors and Roderick Reinhart, Assistant Library Director.

“We really wanted to make our first fundraising event memorable, and this was a great way to show the community of Chula Vista what we do for our public libraries,” said Roderick Reinhart at the event.

Along with the chance to sample some great local d’oeuvres and wine, guest brought their family heirlooms to have them evaluated at the event. The idea was developed by a board member who is also an appraiser. She had mentioned that many appraisers donate their time to such events. A total of five appraisers were on hand, all with a different specialty. Many of the guest came with antiques in hand to have them looked at. Fran Cornell of Chula Vista brought a very interesting Japanese vase with her.

“My aunt has many pieces like this and I have always wanted to get them looked at to see where they came from and what era,” she said as she waited in line. “I think it might be a vase used for incense, I’m not sure of where it may have come from or what it cost.”

The key of the night was wine and food, and that was one thing the event had plenty of. With some great food all donated by local businesses guest were able to try a bit of everything. Some of the businesses that were on hand included; Eduard A Taste of Europe, Miguel’s Cocina, Romesco, P.F. Chang’s, Kona Pacifica Kafe, Zorba’s, Pat & Oscar’s, as well as the soon to be opened Brigantine in the Eastlake Village Walk. Wines were donated by Trader Joes and Henry’s Marketplace

“This is a great event, the food is amazing the wine is fabulous and the night is a big hit for the Chula Vista Library,” Michelle Burnham exclaimed as she made her second round at the food. Everyone was in high sprits and having fun all through out the evening. The big winner was the CVLF which raised some much needed money for the public libraries.

“It is great and we are already talking about this happening next year. This is our first, but it will not be our last that is for sure,” said Roderick Reinhart. If this event was any indication of the other events planned then they are sure to have the support of the community.

To find out more about the Chula Vista Library Foundation you can visit their website at www.cvplfoundation.org