D & R Greenway’s Beautiful Custom Wine Labels on Three Bottle Set
It’s no secret that the widespread shutdowns to combat COVID-19 have affected local businesses in unprecedented ways. But an area that people may not consider as often are non-profits and charities that rely on fundraising events in the spring and summer. Many of these events have had to be cancelled over the past several months, leaving these organizations scrambling to come up with alternative ways to raise money.
Before the COVID-19 shutdowns, D&R Greenway Land Trust, a not-for-profit organization located in Princeton, had plans to do several fundraising activities at Old York Cellars (one of our 2020 Happening List Finalists) in Ringoes. But with indoor locations closed and social distancing in effect, fundraising options for D&R Greenway and other not-for-profit organizations were few and far between. After discussions with Old York Cellars’, owner David Wolin, the Winery went into action and came up with multiple options to help raise funds for the organization.
Old York Cellars developed a two-pronged fundraising strategy for D& R Greenway featuring its popular Custom Wine Label and a live virtual wine tasting featuring Old York Cellars General Manager, Laurin Dorman, a trained sommelier. D&R Greenway, whose mission is to preserve and care for land in Central New Jersey, provided beautiful paintings by James Fiorentino to be reproduced on wine labels for Old York Cellars popular red, white and rosé blends and included a visit from the artist during their live streamed wine tasting. Its supporters were able to purchase wines on line as well as participate in an interactive virtual wine tasting. Supporters had the option of picking up the wine at the Winery or at the winery’s tasting room and restaurant in Quaker Bridge Mall or shipped directly to them.
Other organizations such as Walk To End Preeclampsia, Team Remembering Charlotte, Amazing Mutts, Castle of Dreams and LAEF an educational foundation supporting a school district have sponsored successful fundraising events with Old York Cellars. Organizations have created fun unique experiences for their virtual guests with special speakers within the organization, slideshows in between wine tasting, interactive conversations with the guests and their plans for the future and special wine bottle labels. Alumni Associations, Animal Rescue Groups, Parent School Organizations, supporters of Emergency Services, Health Care charities and many others are also planning fundraisers with Old York Cellars.
The winery also hosts socially distant Wine and Comedy Fundraisers. For an evening of entertainment, it’s hard to beat an outside fresh air, stand-up comedy show. The wine and comedy nights feature clean top-notch comedians performing under a large open air canopy. All tables are socially distanced and a maximum of six guests are allowed at a table. The Organization hosting an evening of comedy have the option to live stream the show to guests who wish to purchase tickets to virtually attend the event.
Comedy Night for Charity
Virtual Wine Tasting Event
Winery owner, David Wolin stated, “The social distancing requirements to combat the spread of COVID-19 have changed everything, including the fundraising landscape. Virtual Wine Tastings, custom label fundraisers and socially distanced events such as our Wine and Comedy Shows can be a very successful and safe way for not-for-profit groups to keep bringing in revenue and to continue connecting with their donors during this uncertain time.”
The Old York Cellars team is known for their creative, innovative thinking and its “What Exit Wines” series of charitable that has been donating proceeds to many charities from that sale of each bottle since 2013. Organizations interested in sponsoring fundraisers with Old York Cellars can visit their website at www.oldyorkcellars.com or email the Winery’s Event Coordinator at coleen@oldyorkcellars.com.
