As you may know..  it’s only weeks until the windup of the Young Business Leader program that I’ve been involved with through the Royal Society for the Blind. It’s been a big 10 months!

To celebrate this fact I’ve organised a special drinks night at The Lion hotel and would love you all to come along.

When? Friday 1st May from 5.00pm

Where? The Lion, Melbourne St, North Adelaide

What? Drink specials and nibbles provided for everyone, fun & frivolity guaranteed

Why? To celebrate, because we deserve it, to meet new people and while all that’s happening, to raise much needed funds for this great charity

Who? This invitation is open to everyone you know.. please send this link on.. the more the merrier!

Once again, thanks for your support and I hope to catch up with you on Friday the 1st.

On Tuesday 7th April I was feeling very proud to stand alongside lots of other RSB supporters and volunteers in Rundle Mall as part of the 125th birthday celebrations.

Amongst a sea of purple shirts, balloons, merchandise, cupcakes & puppies Premier Mike Rann MP spoke about the history of The Royal Society for the Blind and the brilliant work they do across the state for nearly 11,000 blind or vision impaired people.

It was really special as members of the public came up to us and thanked us for the work we did..   many giving generously to the RSB. I had a great couple of hours and loved being a part of something that felt really good. Well done to the event organisers and thanks to all for helping out or just stopping by and sampling a cupcake!

So, the Monster Raffle tickets are freshly printed and up for grabs at just $5 each! Prize pool of $2000.. The raffle draw takes place on Tuesday 5th May, you’ve got to be in it to win it as they say…

Get your tickets now by submitting the form below (or email me). If possible, support the RSB further by taking a book of 10 and selling them to your networks.

Here’s the list of fantastic prizes available:

1st Prize – 2 nights accommodation for up to 8 people in beautiful 5 star apartment at Victor Harbour (value $800, cond. apply)

2nd Prize – $400 suit voucher from Thesuitco.

3rd Prize – V8 Race Car Hot Laps (value $350)

4th Prize – Private hire car vintage transfer for a special occasion (value $300)

5th Prize – Neutrogena Facial Voucher from Glow Beauty & Wellness (value $80)

6th Prize – Sevenhills red/white wine pack ($60)

7th Prize – Acanthus flower voucher (value $50)

8th Prize – About Town Dog Studio grooming voucher (value $50)

9th Prize – 1 x case Coopers Pale Ale (value $45)

10th Prize – 1 x btl Johnny Walker Red (value $45)

11th Prize – Sevenhills twin fortified wine pack ( $40)

12th Prize – Champagne Pamper Pack

13th Prize – Magnum Black Opal Shiraz w/ glasses

14th Prize – Relaxation pack with candles & incense

15th Prize – Cheese slicer & nibbles gift pack

16th Prize – Gift hamper with wine and nibbles

17th Prize – Chip’n’dip gift pack

18th Prize – Outdoor Entertainers gift pack

19th Prize – Shoe Shine Package

20th Prize – Drinking game including pack of spirits

21st Prize – Board Game

22nd Prize – Big tin of Jelly Beans

23rd Prize – Magnum Black Opal Shiraz w/ glasses

24th Prize – Champagne Pamper Pack

25th Prize – Coffee Lovers enjoyment pack

26th Prize – Relaxation pack with candles & incense

27th Prize – Tea Lovers delight pack

28th Prize – Thermos flask with 2 travel mugs

29th to 32nd Prizes – 1 booby prize per winner!

Yesterday was the cheese & wine tour that I’d been planning for quite a few weeks. After taking the Friday off work for final preparations, checking our itinerary with plenty of phone calls & emails… the goodie bags were packed, there was no more I could do.

We kicked off from Tea Tree Plaza around 8.30am, headed to The Hackney Hotel picking up some more patrons, on to BP West Terrace and finally Castle Plaza shopping Centre. Once I had everyone on the bus I allowed myself a little smile – now the trick was to make sure we brought them all home!

We first visited Tapestry Wines who hosted a tasting session, at this stop Ashlee from Alexandrina Cheese Company joined us with some fabulous cheese to taste. She walked us through the day from mild cheese through to the stronger end of the range.

We moved on to Parri Estate (who were setting up for a wedding much like Tapestry) and then through to Fox Creek where we lunched on baguettes & salads while enjoying some McLaren Vale reds and whites.

Final visit was to Serafino Wines with a beautiful outlook where we finished our lunch with yummy Vili’s cakes.

All in all, the 61 people on the bus had a wonderful time, we also got to meet Yuma a guide dog puppy in training who travelled with us. I had many requests for a repeat wine tour so this might be something I look at come springtime and the nicer weather!

Thanks to our sponsors, thanks to the fabulous people, to the accomodating wineries (60 people is a lot!) and to Alex our wonderful bus driver who made the day so much easier. All in all, a brilliant day in the name of charity!

The McLaren Vale Cheese & Wine Tour is running this Saturday.  A very excited group of 61 people have signed up to come and experience what McLaren Vale has to offer.  I’m particularly looking forward to our travel companion for the day, a guide dog puppy in training called Yuma….  yes, I’ll post photos after the event and you can see how cute he is and how well behaved.

I just want to acknowledge the people and businesses that have supported this fantastic charity event.  These guys deserve your support as they put back into the community with their time and efforts and kind donations.

Goolwa Bus & Coach – brilliant service, reliable and flexible…  highly recommended
Ph: 8555 2500
Email: megan@goolwabuscoach.com.au
Web: www.goolwabuscoach.com.au

BananaBlue – fantastic quality online shopping delivered to your door. These guys are great!
www.bananablue.com.au

Fox Creek Wines – the most gorgeous setting with brilliant wines.
www.foxcreekwines.com.au

Alexandrina Cheese Company – you must call in and see Rebekah (a fellow YBL participant)
www.alexandrinacheeese.com.au

Michelle Pearson who is the most fabulous friend and has been amazing in assisting with this wine tour…  helping with contacts, advice and brainstorming.  Michelle – I owe you!