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Wine, Women, & Shoes to host second annual philanthropy event in Elizabethtown

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Wine, Women & Shoes: Elizabethtown’s Annual Philanthropy Gala Raises a Quiet Storm of Giving

Elizabethtown, Ky. – When the city’s most colorful trio of “wine, women, and shoes” takes the stage, the community’s spirit comes out in full bloom. On Saturday, May 18th, the Elizabethtown County Fairgrounds glowed with the warm hues of a sunset, the clink of crystal glasses, and the soft hum of a live band as the town’s annual philanthropy event unfolded. The “Wine, Women & Shoes” gala—now in its tenth year—has become a beloved tradition that turns a night of indulgence into a night of impact, channeling generous donations into the heart of local charities.

A Night of Three Pleasures

At the core of the evening are the three pillars that give the event its name. First, the wine. Riverside Vineyards, a family‑owned winery just outside town, opened its doors to provide a curated tasting featuring six of its award‑winning labels. The winemakers offered a guided tour of their vineyards, explaining the terroir that gives each vintage its distinctive character. “Wine is a language that brings people together,” said John Martinez, Riverside’s chief sommelier. “We’re thrilled to let the community taste a piece of our land and share it with a good cause.”

Second, the women. The gala is co‑hosted by the Elizabethtown Women’s Club and the local chapter of the Women’s Business Network. These groups have worked tirelessly to organize the event, ensuring that the night is not only celebratory but also empowering. The event spotlighted a “Women in Business” panel that featured two local entrepreneurs—a restaurateur and a tech start‑up founder—who shared their stories of resilience and success. The panel discussion was a highlight for many attendees, especially young women who saw the event as a potential springboard for their own careers.

Third, the shoes. A runway walk took center stage as the renowned shoe designer Eliza McCoy—whose collection “Stomp & Stroll” debuted last fall—presented her newest line. The models, styled in McCoy’s signature bright colors, showcased the versatility of shoes as both fashion statements and functional essentials. The runway also doubled as a silent auction platform, where guests bid on limited‑edition pairs, vouchers for future purchases, and even a private design session with McCoy herself.

Giving Back

All proceeds from the gala were earmarked for the Elizabethtown Community Health Center, with a particular focus on expanding the center’s Women’s Wellness Program. The program includes prenatal care, mental health counseling, and educational workshops on nutrition and lifestyle. “These funds are going directly to the women who use the center every day,” said Dr. Marla Jones, director of the program. “They’ll get more counseling slots, more supplies, and ultimately, more healthy families.”

In a pre‑event press release, the organizers announced that the gala had raised an impressive $22,500—an increase of 15% over the previous year. “It’s a testament to the generosity of our local business community,” said Maria Hernandez, president of the Elizabethtown Women’s Club. “Without the support of Riverside Vineyards, Eliza McCoy, and dozens of other sponsors, we couldn’t achieve this milestone.”

The silent auction itself was a standout success. Items ranged from a vintage 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon bottle to a private yoga retreat for two at a nearby spa. The highest bid—a custom pair of “Stomp & Stroll” heels—closed at $1,200, a record for the event.

Looking Ahead

The “Wine, Women & Shoes” gala is more than a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. The event’s organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s edition, with plans to expand the auction’s categories to include local art and craft. They are also exploring partnerships with the Kentucky Historical Society to incorporate a cultural exhibition into the program.

“It’s wonderful to see how a simple evening of wine, fashion, and conversation can catalyze real change,” said Mr. Martinez of Riverside Vineyards. “We’re honored to be part of this tradition and to continue supporting the women of Elizabethtown.”

As the night wound down and the last clinks of glasses echoed through the fairgrounds, one thing was clear: the spirit of giving that permeates the “Wine, Women & Shoes” gala will continue to inspire the town for years to come, one bottle, one pair of shoes, and one heartfelt conversation at a time.


Read the Full WLKY Article at:
[ https://www.wlky.com/article/wine-women-shoes-annual-philanthropy-event-elizabethtown/65943276 ]