Rotary Club of Sarasota hosts first Toast Local charity event

As attendees raised their glasses during the first annual Toast Local event by the Rotary Club of Sarasota, held on Aug. 20 at the Robarts Arena, their presence was not only benefiting local craft cocktail and beer brands, but also multiple charities as well.

Nicholas Iannitti, fundraising chair for the Rotary Club of Sarasota, said he hoped the public would leave with an understanding of what the club, which has been in the area for 97 years, accomplishes through its charity arm, the Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation.

“Everybody we've talked to is really enjoying themselves and having a good time, so that was really the biggest thing,” he said. “And I think we've actually been pretty successful in raising awareness of what Rotary is and what we do.”

He said the proceeds of the event will go toward almost a dozen local charities, benefiting causes such as the programs of All Faiths Food Bank and Mayors Feed The Hungry, as well as hurricane relief efforts, senior well-being and more.

Meanwhile, the beverage tasting, which followed a car show by SRQ Caffeine & Gasoline, helped raise awareness of local brews. Toast Local drew some 20 vendors offering a variety of drinks.

Attendee Shirley Aschenbrenner said she enjoyed discovering brands with a local presence, like Sun King Brewing, among others.

“I like bitter beer, very dark beer, so it’s nice to taste something in between, something bitter, something milder,” she said. “It’s giving me ideas for where to buy beer. I found a lot of places in Sarasota I did not know about.”

Rae Madure, a Sarasota representative of Pulpoloco Sangría, an imported wine cocktail made with real fruit and featuring eco-friendly packaging, said the event was succeeding in raising awareness of the brand.

“They’re feeling educated as they leave, and they’re asking where they can purchase, which is even better,” she said.

“It’s phenomenal — a great experience,” said Jon Kleiber of Campfire Coffee Liqueur. He said not only were customers discovering the vodka-based coffee liqueur, they were heading to the store afterwards to buy their own bottles.

While it was the first such event held, Rotary Club volunteer Joseph Keogh said he did not think it would be the last.

“Everyone is polite and happy, no one is over drinking," he said. “It’s definitely going to become a yearly thing because it's fantastic.”