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Letter to the Editor: Whistler Search & Rescue Society raises $64,000!

Annual Wine’d Up dinner raises vital funds to support WSAR’s training, equipment, and rescue operations
WhistlerSearchAndRescueHelicopter
Donations from Whistler Search and Rescue Society's 2021 fundraiser will go towards the training and gear to support its new members.

On Oct. 23, we held our 22nd annual Whistler Search & Rescue Wine’d Up Gourmet Dinner and Auction Fundraiser. Our virtual event raised $64,000 despite the ongoing challenges of hosting events during the pandemic.

This year, Whistler Search & Rescue (WSAR) added 15 new members to complement our existing team of dedicated volunteers. These volunteers conduct rescues across the Sea to Sky at a moment’s call throughout all seasons. Every year, our Wine’d Up dinner raises vital funds to support WSAR’s training, equipment, and rescue operations. Donations from this year’s fundraiser will go towards the training and gear to support our new members.

More than 125 guests joined us from their homes with many enjoying a three-course dinner prepared by Araxi, Il Caminetto, and The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Our online auction featured incredible donations from more than 50 businesses and individuals whose generosity is appreciated year after year. The success of Wine’d Up could not happen without their support and we thank everyone who made this possible.

We especially want to recognize James Walt and Mark McLoughlin from Araxi and Il Caminetto, who prepared the gourmet dinners. The desserts created by Dominic Fortin of The Fairmont Chateau Whistler were a visual delight and delicious finish to the meal. Special thanks go to Mitchell Shuster of International Cellars, Michael Kompass of Blackcomb Liquor Store, and Dana Lee Harris who selected the fine wines that accompanied the dinners.

Mo Douglas, Executive Director of Arts Whistler, flawlessly delivered our program. Thank you Mo for your guidance and presenting Whistler Search & Rescue as an engaging and vital society that supports our community!

Finally, this event could not happen without the dedication of our small and extraordinary fundraising team of Sharon Tyrrell, Sue Stafford, Greg Newton, Rosemary Cook, and Steve LeClair.

Janice Hulse, chair Wine’d Up, WSAR