The wine, beer tasting has raised more than $72,000
The Washington Township Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund will host its 10th annual Cork & Brew at the Wedgwood Country Club on Friday, April 28 at 6 p.m. More than 200 wines, beers and liquors from around the world will be available to taste while attendees socialize and network with neighbors and friends.
The nonprofit event has awarded more than $72,000 in scholarships to students throughout the past 10 years. According to Joe Matusiak, owner of Salina Wine & Liquors, the tasting, one of the chamber’s largest yearly events, is a completely charitable occasion.
“It’s amazing to see these young adults receive scholarships,” Matusiak said. “I’m proud to be a part of it, it really makes you feel good. All of the money from the tasting goes right back, 100 percent.”
To qualify, students must be a resident of Washington Township regardless of the school they attend, while pursuing a degree in business, such as accounting, business management and hotel or restaurant management after high school. Students are required to fill out an application, write an essay and participate in an interview with members of the chamber to be considered.
Last year, the fund created a $1,500 accounting scholarship in honor of former chamber member and scholarship fund founder Edward Oberman, of Rafter, Lewis & Oberman CPAs, who passed away in 2015.
“He’d been so instrumental,” said Maureen Pasternak, chamber president, of Oberman.
According to Pasternak, the event typically has between 200 and 300 people attend, and she hopes they can reach capacity with 400 people this year.
“It’s my goal, this is my final year as chamber president, and I really want to be able to give out $10,000,” Pasternak said. “If we make the money, I want to be able to give it out.”
New this year to the strictly 21-and-older affair will be additional artisan beers, bourbons and wine selections. Attendees can also take their chance at a 50/50 and basket raffle, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and dessert treats served throughout the evening.
“It is a great networking event,” Pasternak said. “A lot of people from different parts of the chamber who don’t always have the freedom to come to our lunches or breakfasts can still come because it is a community event. You’re going to see a lot of your neighbors there. I’ve run into my own neighbors not knowing they were coming.”
When the Cork & Brew function began, it was a way of letting community members know who the chamber was and what it did, Pasternak said.
“It was a great idea to try to get our name out there, get people to know what the chamber does, who we are and what we do and to try to do something that gives back to the community,” Pasternak said. “The public is welcome. It’s a great way to get out into the community, enjoy yourself and know that you’re doing something that’s going to help somebody else.”
Tickets are available for $50 on the chamber website, www.wtchamber.org, or by calling (856) 227–1776. Tickets may also be purchased at Salina Wine and Liquor, 273 Egg Harbor Road.
