The Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast's Annual Whisky Tasting returns November 7 for its 21st year, and once again it's sold out. It's not really about whisky. It's about belonging.
There are certain things that make a small town special. The familiar faces at the grocery store. The neighbour who helps without being asked. The local business owner who somehow finds time to support every good cause that comes knocking.
And, apparently, a room full of people sipping whisky while bidding enthusiastically against their friends for a weekend getaway.
Welcome to the Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast's Annual Whisky Tasting, returning November 7 for its 21st year.
What began in 2005 as a modest whisky-and-beer tasting with about 80 guests has become one of the club's most anticipated fundraising evenings. It's elegant without being stuffy, educational without feeling like school, and just competitive enough to make the live auction wonderfully entertaining.
And year after year, it sells out.
Darcy Long, a longtime Rotarian who has helped guide the event through much of its history, remembers those early days fondly. The live auction was simply whiskies and the Heels, nothing particularly elaborate, and certainly no expectation that two decades later people would still be eagerly waiting to attend.
A bagpiper opens the evening, piping in the featured whiskies, carried by Rotarians and volunteers dressed in tartan sashes. Guests enjoy dinner, friendship, and a guided tasting of five carefully selected whiskies. This year's presenter, Charlene Rooke, is an accomplished spirits educator, writer and international whisky judge. British Columbia's own Shelter Point Distillery will also be featured. And for those who don't drink whisky, there are thoughtfully prepared mocktails.
The evening simply wouldn't happen without the extraordinary generosity of Sunshine Coast businesses, who donate experiences, gifts and sponsorships. "It's an experience that becomes memorable," Frank Havies explains. “And how do you put a price on that?”
Proceeds give Rotary the flexibility to respond wherever help is needed most. In the early years, much of the money helped build Rotary Friendship Park on Sechelt's waterfront. Today, Rotary supports youth programs at Chatelech Secondary School, student leadership opportunities, local food security initiatives, school buddy benches and international humanitarian projects.
"As long as you've got good projects in front of you, the community comes out full strength to support you," Frank says.
It's not really about whisky. It's about belonging.
Slàinte!
The November 7 Whisky Tasting is officially SOLD OUT! To join the waiting list, contact Frank Havies at 780-876-0317 or haviesf@gmail.com.
Curious about Rotary? Join us every Wednesday at noon at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre. All are welcome!
https://rotarysunshinecoast.org/