Courtesy photo Michael J. Kolasa, J.D., LL.M., CFP, CTFA, CAP, vice president and trust officer at The Stephenson National Bank & Trust holding the check for the bank’s $1,000 donation to the Virtual Vino event.

ESCANABA — The Escanaba Rotary Club will be holding its annual fundraiser virtually this year. The drawing, re-christened Virtual Vino, will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 12.

In past years the event known as “Vino at the Casino” the was held on the first Saturday in November at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris. The 2019 event sold out with over 400 people in attendance. Now in its 18th year, Escanaba Rotary’s largest fundraiser was scheduled in December to give the Rotary time to prepare for the new format.

Many local business and community members have turned out with support for this year’s online event, either making donations or purchasing items to donate for the raffle. There are 16 prizes to be won, including cash prizes of $3,000, $2,000, and $500. Chula Vista Resort & Water Park in Wisconsin Dells made the donation coming from farthest away with a two night stay for four valued at $900. Among the many other prizes are a wide range of products and services, including automotive ceramic coating, a diamond pendant necklace and a rifle.

“We have been extra generous because the banking industry has had a good year. Want to support the community. We’re extended family, even if we’re competitors. That’s why we live in Upper Michigan,” said Stephenson National Bank & Trust Vice President and Trust Officer Michael J. Kolasa, J.D., LL.M., CFP, CTFA, CAP. The bank made a $1,000 donation in contribution to the event. Kolasa also suggested that, “Raffle prizes have been as good or better than ever because local businesses have really stepped up…People are hungry for connection and to help. We are surrounded by fundamentally good people and if they can figure out how to help others, they are going to do it.” Kolasa said while many businesses are struggling this year, some have had record years and urges those who can to help out.

Rotary President Doug Leisenring joined the Escanaba Rotary because it sponsors Camp Harstad, providing summer programming for cognitively impaired students in Delta County. He is happy with the response to the virtual format this year, and said the Rotary is close to reaching their goal of selling 1,000 tickets. “People realize how the Rotary helps the community and are eager to participate. Everything goes back to the community,” says Leisenring.

When asked what Leisenring thinks the event will look like next year, he said, ” I hope the event looks nothing like this next year and that we’re back with 400 people next year enjoying a variety of wine and food and celebrating raising money for the community. If you weren’t able to participate this year, we hope to see you at Vino at the Casino in 2021.”

The drawing will be broadcast on Facebook Live so that participants will immediately know who the winners are. Tickets can be purchased from Escanaba Rotarians for $10 a ticket or 6 six tickets for $50 and will be on sale until noon on Thursday, December 10.