Thousand Oaks Rotary raises $80,000 for Ventura County Special Olympics

The sixth annual "Midsummer Eve of Wine and Arts," hosted by the T.O. Rotary Club Foundation raised more than $80,000 for Special Olympics in Ventura County.

More than 414 patrons enjoyed live music, magic, more than 100 wines, food and an auction.

Frank Stallone was master of ceremonies with the live auction conducted by Elizabeth Ames.

Also present were event honorary chairs and America's Olympic medal winners Rafer Johnson, Mitch Gaylord, Peter Caruthers and Terry Schroeder.

Wades Wines provided a variety of limited production wines for tasting from such places as California, Chile, Mexico, Spain and Argentina.

The venue was adorned with more than 20 pieces of art from local artists, including pieces by Special Olympians Michael Bluechel and Russel Santop. Many of the pieces sold, raising about $3,000 for Special Olympics.

"The Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks is proud to host this event," said John LaRocca, event chairman and Rotarian with cochairs Roger Benson, John Deguiseppe and Dave Friedl. "It's a wonderful afternoon with friends enjoying some amazing wines and all for a good cause."

The Rotary Club of T.O. last year contributed more than $140,000 to local and international charities.

For more information, visit www.thousandoaksrotary.org.