Photo of 2019 Wine, Women & Shoes event, taken by Peter Acker.

Forty Carrots Family Center recently announced its largest fundraiser of the year Wine, Women & Shoes (WWS)—scheduled for November 20, 2020—will be canceled in light of the ongoing pandemic. “It was with great consideration and a heavy heart we made the decision to cancel Wine, Women & Shoes 2020,” says Michelle Kapreilian, CEO of Forty Carrots Family Center. “Our concern for children and families’ well-being has never been stronger.”

Despite there being no signature luncheon of girlfriend fun, international wines or a fashion show of entertainment, Getzen Family Charities responded swiftly, eager to help and offset this year’s losses in the absence of the highly-anticipated, largely-donated-to event. Last year, over $710,000 (net) was raised for Forty Carrots and is a major source of revenue for the nonprofit. When Getzen Family Charities heard of the event cancellation, the grantmaking foundation announced a $10,000 challenge grant. Every dollar donated at FortyCarrots.org through July 31—using code WWS—will be matched up to $10,000. “Our family has proudly supported Forty Carrots for over 20 years and we recognize that now, more than ever, families need access to highly qualified parenting educators and child and family therapists,” shares Minta Getzen, WWS coordinator and Getzen Family Charities representative.

“The agency has done an exceptional job of transitioning to virtual programming to make that possible. While I am heartbroken that we cannot have WWS this year, I am so touched by those who appreciate the desperate need of these services and our family hopes others will join us in support.”

More good news is, the award-winning event’s return has already been scheduled at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota for November 2021. “We know our attendees value the time they spend together at Wine, Women & Shoes in support of Forty Carrots,” says Kapreilian. “We will have plenty of surprises to delight them!” This year's WWS co-chairs, Melissa Tomasso and Julie Weintraub, already agreed to stay on for next year's event and to make it the best one yet. “We look forward to bringing our community together again and making 2021 the Best. Day. Ever,” they say. “Our goal is to raise critical funds so Forty Carrots can provide mental health, early childhood education, and parenting education that is so desperately needed by families today.”

Tables, tickets and sponsorships will be available Spring 2021. Contact events@fortycarrots.com or call 941-365-7716 (ext.318) to receive event notifications.

Photo of 2019 Wine, Women & Shoes event, taken by Peter Acker.

To make a donation, visit Forty Carrots Family Center here.