Mario Larochelle, Kevin Martin, Eric Patenaude and Denis Schryburt. Credit: Bradley Turcotte
The organizers of Ottawa’s annual queer wine fundraiser presented this year’s beneficiaries with cheques at Bank Street men’s shop Stroked Ego July 29.
Swirl and Twirl 9 raised $10,100, surpassing last year’s total. This year’s beneficiaries include the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, Jer’s Vision, PTS and Bruce House, which will receive $3,131, $2,828, $2,121 and $2,020 respectively.
Founders Mario Larochelle and Denis Schryburt say that surpassing Swirl and Twirl 8’s take of $10,000 was “a bonus.”
“One of the biggest problems we had was we had too many items for our silent auction table. Which is a good problem to have. That really helped us out in surpassing our goal from last year. We just have to find more tables, that’s all,” Schryburt says with a laugh.
Ideas for the event’s 10th anniversary are already bubbling up between the philanthropic duo.
“Since it will be our 10th anniversary, I would like to start to plan a little earlier,” Larochelle says. “We’re looking for a new venue. With starting earlier, we will be able to attract more sponsorship and raise more money.”
“We’ve already been discussing it,” Schryburt adds. “While we were planning our ninth year, we were discussing our 10th as well. We are really excited about that. We’re hoping to double [the amount raised] next year.”
Swirl and Twirl 9 sponsors included Stroked Ego, Todric’s Fine Dining and Catering, and Royal Bank of Canada.
View a collection of snapshots of community members who attended this year’s event.
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