Wine and Design Supports Band Together Concert for StepUP Ministry

July 26, 2010 - PRLog -- RALEIGH, NC – Wine and Design, Raleigh’s first and only wine and painting party company, was a supporter of Band Together’s concert to support StepUP Ministry.  The event was held in downtown Raleigh at the Lincoln Theatre and raised more than $358,000 for the interfaith nonprofit organization.  

StepUP Ministry teaches low-income and homeless people to become self-sufficient.  The ministry assists nearly 600 individuals in Wake County every year through its Job Placement and Training Program and Life Skills Program.  Since 2004, they have helped more than 950 adults gain employment.  The funds raised by Band Together will help StepUP hire additional staff and extend their services to more people in need.  

Wine and Design donated a choice of three painting packages to the event’s silent auction.  This is the first year that Wine and Design has supported Band Together and company co-owner, Emmy Preiss, says that Wine and Design looks forward to working with the organization in the future.

“The work that StepUP Ministry is doing really spoke to Harriett [Harriett Mills, Wine and Design co-owner] and me,” explains Preiss.  “We’ve both been so fortunate in our personal and professional lives that we wanted to do something for those who, for one reason or another, are unable to do something positive for themselves.  By supporting organizations like Band Together, we feel good in knowing that we’re helping to make a positive difference in our community.”

Band Together chairman, Trey Caudle, said that this year’s event was the organization’s most successful to date.  The event featured four bands, a VIP area, a silent auction, a raffle of three guitars signed by Michael Franti, and increased awareness of StepUP Ministry’s unbelievable work in our community. He adds that the in-kind donations totaled more than $88,000 and that support from the local business community is always needed and appreciated.

“Thanks to the support of businesses like Wine and Design, Band Together raised over $17,000 during our Silent Auction,” says Caudle.  “Our auction was successful because of the high quality items like the gift pack provided by Harriet and Emmy.”

Since 2001, Band Together has given over one million dollars to local charities, making it one of the most viable resources in the community.  The organization has also been awarded both the Independent's coveted Citizen's Award and The Association of Fundraising Professional's Special Recognition Award.  For more information about Band Together, visit http://www.bandtogethernc.org, become a fan on Facebook or follow @bandtogethernc on Twitter. To learn more about StepUP Ministry, visit http://www.step-up.us.

About Wine and Design
Wine and Design is the dream of longtime friends and business partners Emmy Preiss and Harriet Mills.  The premise of the business is to provide “memories and a masterpiece” in just two hours.  Painting sessions are led by a local artist who provides step-by-step instructions to first-time painters, aspiring artists, or self-proclaimed pro’s that result in an individualized work of art.  Wine and Design accepts general reservations, but also books private parties.  Bridal showers, baby showers, Bunco, and girls’ night out are just a few of their offerings, as well as a selection of events just for kids.  The company also hosts fundraisers, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the cause.  For more information, call (919) 374-0667 or visit their website at http://www.wineanddesignnc.com.

About Band Together NC
Band Together NC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization composed of business and community leaders and volunteers from across the Triangle. Since its inception in 2001, the organization has helped raise more than $1 million for philanthropic organizations through one mission: using music to raise funds and awareness for local charities. Band Together is run entirely by volunteer efforts. For more information, please visit http://www.bandtogethernc.org.

About StepUP Ministry
StepUP Ministry is an interfaith nonprofit organization that teaches low-income and homeless people to become self-sufficient (stable job, stable home, stable family). Founded in 1988, StepUP annually serves nearly 600 individuals in Wake County. StepUP offers life-skills preparation with volunteer partners and job training/placement. For more information, visit http://www.step-up.us or call (919) 781-0156.

Press Contacts:
Louise Cottrell
FireBrand Marketing, Inc.
(919) 302-9010
louisec@firebrandmarketing.com

Trey Caudle
Trisure
(919) 719-5632
tcaudle@trisure.com