Pick of the Vine raises $2,000-plus for Clothes for Kids

The sixth annual "Pick of the Vine" event at Rustle Hill Winery brought together local performers, vendors and community members on Oct. 5 to raise in excess of $2,000 for the Fowler-Bonan Foundation's "Clothes for Kids" initiative.

Dale Fowler, co-founder of the Fowler-Bonan Foundation, said the event was the result of the combined efforts of many, but it was all pulled together by Rustle Hill.

"Rustle Hill was very instrumental in the success of the event," Fowler said. "They secured the performers and vendors, and organized it all. We can't thank them enough."

Ten musical acts performed under plentiful sunshine - all free of charge - including Blue Afternoon, Tim Crosby, Corey Kidd, Kali Bonner, Bringin it Back, Working Class Heroes, Riley Kirk, Meridian 90, Whiskey Caper and Soul Census.

The Fowler-Bonan Foundation board of directors - all volunteers - were on hand with foundation literature and to answer questions about its "Clothes for Kids" outreach.

"We continually look to spread awareness of our cause," Fowler said. "The more people who know about us, the closer we get to reaching every county in Southern Illinois."

Silent auction items were donated by Grand Rivers Distillery, Blue Sky Winery, Alto Vineyard, SIU Athletics, Envi Salon & Spa in Carbondale, Pepsi Midamerica, In Sync Therapy in Carbondale, Be Your Own Beautiful Salon, and Boxer's Bluff at Trails End Lodge. Hand-made wooden items crafted at the building trades vocation (Lakeland College) program at the IDOC's Hardin County Work Camp were also featured.

Area artisans present with their wares included Tom Horn, Todd Anderson and Molly Gable. Food vendors on grounds included Boxer's Bluff @ Trail's End Lodge, The Brickhouse Grill, Johnny B's BibleGrove BBQ, and Rustle Hill Winery. All donated a percentage of their receipts to the Foundation.

Rustle Hill Winery events manager Teri Hammond was equally thrilled.

"It was terrific event for an even better cause - clothing children in our own backyards," Hammond said. "Well over 300 attended. The generosity of our friends and neighbors will enable dozens more kids to be assisted with new school clothes. We at Rustle Hill are proud to be associated with all the Fowler Bonan folks."

The Fowler-Bonan Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to provide children in low-income households with new clothes and shoes. The organization works on an anonymous tip system from school administrators and teachers. They arrange - at no cost whatsoever - the purchase and delivery of new clothes and shoes for children in need. For more information on the Fowler-Bonan Foundation, visit www.fowlerbonanfoundation.com.