By Skip Sheffield
PROPEL (People Reaching Out to Provide Education and Leadership) will host its second annual spring fundraiser, Fine Wine & K-9s, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. p.m. Thursday, April 14 at the Mizner Piazza. The Piazza is located beneath the large statue of Addison Mizner at Royal Palm Place in the southwest corner at Mizner Boulevard and Federal Highway in Boca Raton.
“Fine
Wine and K-9s” is family event that combines the best in gourmet dining, a variety of fine wines, live music and of course the appreciation and judging of dogs of all sizes and varieties, under the stars in Boca Raton. Many of Royal Palm Place’s and other fine Boca restaurants will be proving their most popular fare in tasty, bite-sized portions. The food will be complemented by appropriate red, rose and white wines from top vineyards.
“Fine Wine and K-9s is a fabulous venue to bring your four-legged best friends,” states PROPEL board president, Andrew Scott. “You can taste extraordinary wines, sample delicious food from our local restaurants, and benefit children who need a helping hand, not a hand-out.”
Featured entertainment is Latin jazz pianist Angel Curras and classic and pop group the Sheffield Brothers and Friends. Born in New York City of Cuban and Puerto Rican parentage, Curras has tour with Nestor Torres, Roscoe Martinez, Louis Canales and Cimarron. The Sheffield Bros. have been local favorites for more than 30 years. Jazz guitarist Phil Scruton will guest with them.
PROPEL was founded by Marta and James Batmasian in 2003 as a 501 (c) non-profit organization. PROPEL aims to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. PROPEL locates teachers, mentors and role models who genuinely care about our area’s youth to volunteer and share their expertise and life experiences first-hand with youth ages eight to 24., PROPEL focuses primarily on the all-important middle school years, but no child is turned away.
PROPEL has enlisted a network of more than 50 businesses willing to assist in practical hands-on training and advice. Programs include basic educational tutoring, fitness, life skills, music education, higher education and job and college placement.
PROPEL also provides fun and friendship for youths who otherwise may have nowhere else to turn. In this spirit of fun and friendship, dog lovers are encouraged to bring their leashed, well-behaved pooches to “Fine Wines and K-9s” whether you want your dog judged or not. Of course dog ownership is not required to attend the event.
“Fine Wines and K-9s” offers the opportunity the sample the varied cuisine at Royal Palm Place in a single evening. The all-inclusive price is just $45 advance or $55 the day of the event at the gate. The event is tax-deductable, so you can feel good about doing good. PROPEL representatives will be on the premises to offer further information.
For more information, call director Tolliver Miller at 561-955-8553, or visit the web site at www.propelyourfuture.com.