It's a new world out there — especially the world of non-profits. Due to challenging economic times, non-profits have had to re-think and re-tool their fundraising strategies to respond to thinner wallets and shrinking financial portfolios. The Tahoe League for Charity hit the nail on the head when the charitable organization chose a smaller venue with spectacular lake views like the Tahoe Yacht Club and filled it to capacity for its annual “WIN For Charity” fundraiser recently.

The multi-faceted event included lots of wine tasting (in addition to a no-host bar), grazing on scrumptious hors d'oeuvres prepared by the wunderbar Marlies Your Personal Chef, an extensive raffle, a live auction conducted by David Elliott (Elliot was asked to fill in for an auctioneer who forgot to show up at the Historical Society event a couple of years ago and has now been recruited to do the auction circuit!), a door prize drawing and the requisite schmoozing amongst the guests. Guests moved about the nautically appointed yacht club, genuinely enjoying the more intimate nature of the gathering. All the money raised at this year's event will be awarded to local youth for higher education scholarships as well as to provide grants to deserving local non-profit organizations.

Some of those charitable “winners” at the annual WIN For Charity event were Joan and Bob Clark, Chet and Ingrid Eccles, Nileta and Dick Morton, Karen and Art Mennick, Margo and Atam Lalchandani, Nancy and Jim Cline, Bertica and Jerry Pearlman, Sherri and Bruce Pohle, Linda and Les Schwoob, Judy and Peter Snook, Mary Ellen and Keith Vogt, Margy Arthur, Carol and Gene King, Doni and Jim Glassmaker, Carol and John Eichhorn, Ellen and Gil Magnani, Muffy and Jerry Betker, Jan and Norman Bouton, Jeanne and Don Davis, Susan and David Elliott and Marge and Bob Hartsfield.

—Vicki Kahn may be e-mailed at vickikahn@sbcglobal.net