Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival
Profile
Organized in 1989, V.O.C.A.L./ New Hanover County, Inc. is a non profit organization designated as a 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. The Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival is the major fundraiser for the Volunteer Older Citizens Action League, (VOCAL) enabling it to respond to the many challenges facing seniors in our community. A volunteer board,comprised of a cross-section of community leaders, serves in a governance, consultive and management capacity.
As the mature population continues to choose Wilmington and the surrounding counties as their retirement destination, this fundraising event will continue to support the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center. This ongoing support from VOCAL will sustain and enhance those essential programs which maintain the health and well-being of a vulnerable population. All proceeds from the Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival will continue to benefit seniors in our community.
History of the event
Amidst a tight budget year in 2003, what was then known as the New Hanover County Senior Center collaborated with VOCAL to create a fundraiser to help continue essential programs for our Seniors such as Medical Transportation, Home Delivered Meals, the Family Caregiver Respite Services and the Foster Grandparent Program.
It was an instant hit! Each year since 2003, this fun event has grown exponentially. This year’s move to a larger new larger venue and the introduction of wine as a featured partner to chocolate are just the beginning of our vision of future expansion and growth.
Management Team
A Steering Committee of enthusiastic volunteers deftly and devotedly plans and implements this undertaking. Without their contribution of time ,energy and expertise , an event of the scope of the Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival would not be possible.
Current Members of the V.O.C.A.L. board:
• Rosanne Balzereit, Treasurer
• Chris Brown, Secretary
• Frank Bua
• Annette Crumpton
• Eugene Dasilva
• Dick Hayes, Chair
• Jim Lewis
• Joe Reitblatt, Vice-Chair