The Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) is making final preparations for their annual St. Patrick’s Day FUNdraiser to be held at Mackinaw Trail Winery from 5:30-9:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 17. Pictured in the tasting room is (from left) Dustin Stabile, Head Winemaker; WRCNM Executive Director, Gail Kloss; WRCNM Board Member, Sharon Schappacher; and WRCNM Fund Development/Grant Writer, Sarah Matye. Schappacher is organizing the event’s silent and live auctions and is also donating one of the live auction items; a five course dinner of French, Italian or Korean cuisine with wine for eight people.

Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM), a nonprofit organization that provides essential services for women, children and individuals in northern Lower Michigan, will host a St. Patrick’s Day FUNdraiser at Mackinaw Trail Winery in Petoskey on Thursday, March 17.

The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m., with appetizers, silent auction and cash bar featuring award-winning wine, beer, cider and other libations from Mackinaw Trail Winery, followed by a live auction at 7:30 p.m. Both silent and live auctions offer a variety of donated items such as a three day weekend at a Cross Village home on 160 feet of Lake Michigan beach frontage; afternoon European cooking lesson for four people; tandem skydive; guided gourmet wild mushroom forage and tasting; five course dinner of French, Italian or Korean cuisine with wine for eight people; and Little Traverse Bay sailing excursion for four people on an Ensign sailboat with Captain Jan Mancinelli.

“The Women’s Resource Center is here to help individuals and families navigate life, as well as in times of crisis,” said WRCNM Executive Director, Gail Kloss. “Thousands of local people rely on our programs and services every year, so there is a good chance someone you know has received help and support because we are here.”

Kloss explained that dollars raised at the St. Patrick’s Day event will help pay for services grants do not support, such as community playgroups, counseling and many domestic abuse and sexual assault services.

St. Patrick’s Day FUNdraiser tickets are $10 per person in advance or $15 at the door. For details, contact the WRCNM’s main office at (231) 347-0067. A list of auction items will be available on the organization’s website at wrcnm.org.

Mackinaw Trail Winery is located at 3423 US-131, Petoskey.