Rotary Club's "Hope On The Vine" Gala To Benefit Newtown Causes

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — "Hope On The Vine," one of Newtown Rotary Club's biggest fundraisers of the year, is set for April 26 from 7 to 11 p.m. The event takes place at the Rafters in the Newtown Business Commons. Jackets are required with black ties optional.

Tickets are available at www.hopeonthevine.com with proceeds being donated back to the community. Past recipients have included the Newtown Fire Association, the Newtown Borough Police Department, Shop With A Cop, Ukrainian Relief, and others.

Once checked in, the magic begins. A sponsor backdrop with a balloon arch has become a favorite place to pose for pictures throughout the years. A professional photographer and videographer will be there capturing the moments.

Enjoying last year's Hope on the Vine gala event. (Newtown Rotary Club)

Rotary Club President Mick Petrucci will welcome everyone at 8:30 p.m. In lieu of speeches and formal programs, a video will be streaming across several TVs located around the event venue. One of the TVs will serve as a door prize; everyone who buys a ticket has a chance to win.

The front bar will feature beer from the Iron Hill Brewery and a welcome cocktail. Chef Joseph Garvey and his team from Joseph’s Premier Catering will be serving delightful bites, including the impressive antipasto table full of meats, cheeses, dips, and vegetables.

The evening will feature a silent auction full of gift baskets, gift certificates, and experiences donated by local businesses.

"We will also have Golf Outing Productions there with a selection of memorabilia, jewelry, and trips that can be bid on," said organizers.

Chef Joe Garvey at the 2023 Hope on the Vine gala evening. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

In addition, a brief live auction is scheduled at 9 p.m. Auction tables will stagger in closing times, 15 minutes apart, and all will be closed by 10 p.m. Guests can pay for their winnings with either cash, check, or PayPal. (Credit cards won't be accepted.)

In keeping with the theme of “Hope on the Vine” the Rotarians will be holding a Wine Pull this year. For $20, patrons can pull a bottle of wine, valued between $15 and $85. Each wine will be wrapped in tissue paper, so the contents are a surprise. Red wine will be in blue tissue paper and white wine in gold tissue paper.

In lieu of a live band, a DJ will be providing the dancing music. Just past the dance floor is the full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails. After dinner and in addition to Chef Joe's desserts, Zebra Striped Whale will be scooping ice cream with mix-ins and Roxanne from Nothing Bundt Cakes will be providing bundtinis.

The popular Bourbon and Cigar bar will be opening outside at 10 p.m., offering Bourbon provided by Triple Sun Spirits and cigars from Ned’s Cigar Store.

The event concludes at 11 p.m.

The Newtown Rotary Club meets once a week on Wednesday beginning at 12 p.m. at the Temperance House. It's motto is "Service Above Self."