Poteau Rotary raises money for the ROC

by The City Wire staff ([email protected]) 196 views 

An Evening at the Gallery was the theme of a wine-tasting and art-filled evening held by the Poteau Rotary Club on Saturday (April 27) at the Donald W Reynolds Center.

Partakers could taste wines from seven wineries across the state, sample gourmet food, and view exceptional gallery artwork from talented area artists. Musical and theatrical performers kept the around 200 guests entertained.

Admission included a commemorative wine glass and free tasting from wine and food vendors. Proceeds from the event will help develop the Rotary Outdoor Complex (ROC) at the base of Cavanal Hill in Poteau.

The complex is a 35 acre wooded parcel located on Burkle Avenue at the base of Cavanal Hill. When the property is fully developed, it will boast 10 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, complete with group picnic areas, outdoor kitchen, playground, walking paths with circuit training, state of the art custom playground equipment, and restroom facilities. Use of the complex will be free to the public. The rotary outdoor complex is similar to Ben Geren Park's riding trials.

The participating vendors donated door prizes and silent auction items. Along with silent auction items, there was a wine pull to help raise more money for the event.

"This is the first time the Poteau Rotary has held this type of event and we were hoping to break even,” said Scott Webster, president of the Poteau Rotary. “Coming into tonight's event, we were $400 ahead and are hoping to raise $4,000 and put that money back into the community."

Wendy Gregory and Chris Montgomery from Poteau were looking for something new to try and were very excited about attending this event. Jim and LouAnn Stanley thought the Rotary did a great job on the event and hope they do it again.

Poteau Rotary Club is an organization of business and professional people united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace throughout the world. Four avenues of service are club service, vocational service, community service, and international service."