By Rick Riozza
It’s about time that this column gets around to covering Winewomen psp! I often see Kathleen von Dehn at many of the valley’s wine dinners and events, and, I’m excited that I’ll be writing about her wonderful charitable organization.
And the timing couldn’t be more perfect to alert you all to the Winewomen psp sponsored event New York New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance & Celebration benefiting Desert Arc below.
Kathleen von Dehn is the president of Winewomen psp. And you have to love the mission statement of this charitable nonprofit organization that is “dedicated to the responsible enjoyment of wine through education, discovery and activities that support local charities.” That is such a cool idea and it’s been an ongoing activity here in the valley for the past few years.
Indeed, pretty much anyone who enjoys any wine related nightlife, either knows or knows of Kathleen. Just the other week while I was at a wine tasting at Dan’s Wine Shop, some women around the wine bar were all talking about Kathleen and the Winewomen group’s endeavor in benefiting the Joslyn Center this past October. Each lady went on to discuss some of the wine dinners they were at, of which Winewomen had participated in; some of the restaurants mentioned were the Omni Resort’s Blu Ember, Bellatrix, Westin’s Pinzimini, and the Miramonte.
I am amazed at the frequency that these wine dinners appear on the calendar. I can count over 100 invitations to wine dinners and events over the past five years. It’s an amazing statement of civic resolve on the part of Kathleen and her husband Jonathan Reiss to continue to provide the energy required to sustain the charitable program.
Recently, my family has been joining Kathleen and Jonathan at the wine dinner tables and we’ve been having a blast tasting a variety of world class wine. With stellar venues, cuisine, and premium wine, it’s easy to jump into a party atmosphere where we can simply relax, enjoy, and be ourselves.
The Winewomen monthly wine events benefit local charities such as Martha’s Village & Kitchen, Go Red for Women, Desert Cancer Foundation, Well in the Desert, Shelter from the Storm, Desert Aids Project, and many other valued organizations.
And the good news continues for all wine lovers alike. By joining and participating in Winewomen psp, your subscriber and event fees help support these nonprofit organizations to fulfill their missions of charity and assistance in touching lives across a variety of causes. The well managed website will answer any questions you may have, as well as listing and describing all of the member benefits coming your way. Go to www.winewomenpsp.com and find out for yourselves all that a social wine life can be about, such as welcoming gifts, reduced event pricing, exclusive membership events, quality networking opportunities, fun and unique venues, along with enjoyable wine education and experience.
Dedicated multi-taskers, Kathleen and Jonathan also operate Kajon Media which offers full media production services, television programming, websites and video marketing, event planning and community involvement. Kajon Media has developed television shows and programming and currently offers—as you may already be familiar—a home makeover show, “HOME MAKEOVER IN THE DESERT,” a restaurant show, “TWO FORKS UP,” and a travel and resort show, “DESTINATION RESERVATION.”
So keeping with Winewomen’s dedication to assist with our valley’s charitable operations, they are now sponsoring the New York New Year’s Eve Party in the Crystal Ballroom at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, Ca. December 31, 2015 6pm until 11pm to benefit Desert Arc.
Desert Arc has a variety of programs that serve a number of different needs of the developmentally disabled. In addition to its programs, they are committed to enhancing the quality of life and creating opportunities for people with disabilities, serving more than 600 clients in the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin, they provide vocational training, job placement and employment, independent living support and more. (And I’m proud to relate that my son Guy Laurent works at the facility.)
On behalf of Kathleen and Winewomen psp, all valley wine lovers who’ve yet to set their New Year’s Eve plans, are encouraged to consider participating and enjoying this beautiful venue with like-minded enthusiasts celebrating food, wine, friendship, while accomplishing a charitable deed of contributing to the needs of the community.
The evening includes a Cocktail Reception at 6pm where there will be Tray Passed Hors d’oeuvres and a Special Bubbly on Arrival. There will also be a No-Host Premium Bar.
At 7pm, a Three Course Dinner will commence with a Renaissance Seasonal Salad, Duo of Beef Tenderloin & Citrus Salmon with Chef’s Selected Accompaniments, and Elegant House-Made Dessert. Wine is to be served with dinner.
From 7pm until 11pm there will Fabulous Music to Dance the Night Away. At 9pm there will be a New York New Year’s Champagne Toast.
There will be A Silent Auction and complimentary Valet.
Individual tickets are $150. To reserve, please call Winewomen psp at 760.880.5010 or email Kathleen@winewomenpsp.com. Pre-paid reservations are required. Please RSVP by 12.18.15
Rick is the valley’s “somm-about-town” and continues to entertain and conduct at various wine events, tastings and restaurants. He can be contacted at winespectrum@aol.com
