Lake Club Women's Giving Circle wine event raises funds with taste

By Madison Bierl
| 8:45 a.m. May 1, 2026

Martha Jepsky and Rebel Jackson say The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle is a great place to build community and support a great cause.

East County
Neighbors

When The Lake Club's Fran Kuczmarski was greeted at the Grande Clubhouse with booths showcasing wines, she said she felt transported back to 1984.

Back then Kuczmarski lived in Christchurch, New Zealand where she often visited an abundance of wineries.

On April 30, the Lake Club Women's Giving Circle hosted a fundraiser — Uncorked & On the Rocks — to raise money to support local nonprofits that assist women and children.

Through grants and service initiatives, the Lake Club Women's Giving Circle generated more than $103,000 in 2025.

"I love the ladies and they're all my friends," Kuczmarski said. "It's something that I look forward to."

Three representatives from wineries were present: Chiara Damilano of Damilano Winery in Italy, Josh Scott of Allan Scott Family Winemakers in New Zealand, and ambassador Keith Ross of Alto Moncayo Winery in Spain.

The Lake Club's Jim Bailey said that while the wine, cocktails and food were excellent, that is not why he was there.

"For me, it's more about connecting with people," Bailey said. "That's where the magic happens."

Wendy Fox and Tricia Horner were co-chairs of the event. Fox said the club has had events in the past that were purely to socialize, but they wanted to socialize for a purpose.

She said living in The Lake Club is like a bubble and they are fortunate to be in it.

"Just a few miles away, there are people living in Sarasota and Manatee County that are not as fortunate," Fox said. "They are going through some struggles in their life right now and they may need to ask for assistance from some of the area charities. It's our responsibility to help those charities in the area, to try to help our neighbors."

Winery Ambassador Keith Ross of Alto Moncayo Garnacha serves wine to Lu-Anne Albert, Bob Chalson and Barbara Chalson.

Chiara Damilano, a fourth generation member of Damilano Winery, pours wine for Muni Rampertaap to taste test at the Uncorked & On the Rocks fundraiser.

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle members Wendy Fox and Tricia Horner are co-chairs of the Uncorked & On the Rocks fundraiser that will benefit local charities.

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle hosts Uncorked and On the Rocks, an elevated wine experience, to raise money for local charities as well as gain exposure to attract new members.

Lake Club's Marie Keesee, Kathy Powell and Karen Olsen check out the Allan Scott Winery booth. The winery is family owned and operated in Marlborough, New Zealand.

Lake Club's Kevin Lynch, Chris Jagel, Jim Bailey and Larry Ward attend the Uncorked & On the Rocks fundraiser. Bailey says while the food and wine are great, it's about connecting with people.

Lake Club chef Wesley Kirby, who cooked all of the appetizers, is glad to see people like Jennifer Alokeh, vice chair of The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle, at events.

After smelling and tasting the various wines from Damilano Winery, Lake Club's Travis Vaniter says he is sure to go home with a bottle or two.

Eddie Tobin plays the piano during Uncorked & On the Rocks, a fundraiser put on by The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle April 30.

Kimberly Burns and Mary Rapacz socialize at the Uncorked & On the Rocks fundraiser April 30.

Josh Scott of Allan Scott Family Winemakers is glad to serve Americans, including Fran Kuczmarski who lived in New Zealand for a couple of years, because they are friendly and eager to try the wines.

author

Madison Bierl

Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.