Charity on the vine, an Island Park fundraiser

More than 100 fine domestic and international wines were sampled along with a sumptuous array of small plates and hors d’oeuvres at this spirited event.  Charity on the Vine ¾ A Grand Wine and Food Extravaganza, for the benefit of Family and Children’s [F&C], was held on Oct. 6 in Island Park at the Bridgeview Yacht Club. Pop’s Wine and Spirits sponsored the event. Event organizer Marisa Paladino said 150 people took part and they raised $11,000.

F&C provides help to underserved and disadvantaged people by offering Addiction Treatment and Behavioral Health Services; Educational Opportunities and Life Skills for Youth; Strategies for Building Family Success; Counseling, Services and Support for Adults and Seniors; Shelter and Services for Homeless Youth, Adults and Veterans; and Innovative Approaches to Strengthening Communities.

Nassau County had been in a $2 million contract with F&C for 20 years to provide mental health and parent coaching services aimed at keeping children out of foster care. In a recent dispute the county’s Civil Service Employees Union protested the awarding of that contract to non-union F&C employees. The case eventually went to arbitration, and was decided in favor of the union. The county has been hiring and training county employees to take over and scale down the project.