Wiggles and Wine

We’ve all seen those commercials spouting Sarah McLaughlin’s song, Angel, as a myriad of photos of abandoned and abused former pets scrolls across the screen. Some of us even change the channel or turn the television off to avoid the emotions it brings to light. Some even think, “that doesn’t happen here! People here don’t just abandon their pets. Other places, sure… but not here in Glen Ellyn!”

The sad truth of the matter is that it does. It happens everywhere, even in our beloved village. This is the type of thing that Renee Cantalupo and her fellow employees/volunteers at the West Suburban Humane Society try to put an end to.

According to the group’s website, West Suburban Humane Society began in 1972 as a “lost and found referral service.” A relatively small group of people worked from their homes, maintaining and gathering information to help reunite lost pets with their owners. The group has since grown to a housing and adoption facility, while continuing to maintain the reuniting services.

“Mostly due to the economic situation, fundraising is down a lot right now and we need funds to take care of medical needs and care for the animals,” explained Cantalupo. “We’re trying to be creative in raising awareness about our facility and program, and we think this is a good avenue for us,” she said.

This Saturday, March 26, our WineStyles store, 715 Roosevelt Rd., opened its doors to assist the organization in their fundraising efforts. Between 7-9 p.m., the store held its usual wine tasting event. The change this time is that tickets cost $25 each (usually the tastings are free). Before everyone balks at the cost, be aware that $20 out of every $25 ticket sold went directly to the West Suburban Humane Society. In addition to those funds, the group also received 10 percent of all sales that evening.

“This is a huge opportunity for fundraising for the [Humane] Society,” said store owner Kim Dozier, “we host events similar to this often [and] our customers seem to enjoy them.”

Mrs. Dozier and her husband, William, co-own the WineStyles store. According to the website, the company’s mission is, "To bring superb, world-class wines to wine lovers in our neighborhood at affordable, everyday prices.”

In addition to attempting to fulfill their mission, the Doziers have also managed to incorporate the community aspect that Glen Ellyn thrives on. Hosting tasting specials such as "Bottles and Brushes,” an art-themed event, and “Sweet Surprises Dessert Tasting,” as well as offering a Wine Club, are efforts they’ve made in addition to fundraiser hosting to embrace the spirit of Glen Ellyn.

Cantalupo spoke highly of the company.

“We did a fundraiser with WineStyles last year in Darien and it turned out really well, so we decided to try one here. One of our volunteers lives just behind the store and approached them about hosting this for us. They [The Doziers] have been really helpful with the entire process,” she advised.