WIN hosting wine-tasting event during ARDA Convention

Once again Women in the Industry (WIN) will host its annual wine-tasting event, "Shop to the Last Drop," during the ARDA Convention being held March 27-30, 2011. This year’s fete will take place in the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort on Tuesday, March 29, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It's fun that’s for a good cause. During the event WIN will conduct the Next Time Around Boutique and a silent art auction. All proceeds from both events will go to support WIN's charities of choice: Girls, Inc.; Foundation for Foster Children and Christel House.

Women in the Industry (WIN) was formed several years ago as a grassroots, volunteer, non-profit organization providing leadership, mentoring, philanthropic and educational opportunities to women and those who support women in the vacation ownership industry. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recently took over its operation and has sent an invitation to all ARDA Convention attendees to join in for a fun evening of wine tasting, networking and shopping. Make no mistake: This is not just for ladies; gentlemen are welcome, too.

Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA was a strong advocate for bringing WIN in under the umbrella of the wider association. “WIN’s direction is clearly in alignment with ARDA, especially with our mutual commitment to embrace the diversity within our industry, develop leadership and contribute to charitable platforms,” he said. One of the first changes expected to take place under the reorganization is the institution of a new ARDA Philanthropy Council with WIN Co-President Cathy Backus as chair. Backus and WIN’s other co-president, Lani Kane-Hanan, provided leadership to help organize the first WIN wine tasting event for charity in 2008.

Photo: Cathy Backus (l.) with Social Media Servicing CEO Sharon Drechsler.

WIN is collecting new or gently used handbags, scarves, costume jewelry and accessories to be auctioned off during the event while attendees enjoy sampling various wines. To donate items, contact Pamela Gould at Pamela.gould@islandone.com; Ellen Devine at ellen.devine@bluegreencorp.com or Darla Zanini at dzanini@arda.org. ARDA attendees may bring items for donation with them to the convention, where they may left at the ARDA Staff Office. The office opens at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 27.