Wine, cheese for charity

RANCHO SANTA FE — It was another great turnout for the Fine Magazine V.I.P. Realtor Event June 18. More than 100 realtors were on hand to enjoy wine and appetizers and raise $2,800 for the evening’s sponsored charity, Just In Time.
The mission of JIT is to help transitioning foster youths become productive adult members of society by providing resources, guidance and hope. According to JIT Representative, Diane Cox, when foster children turn 18, they are emancipated from the foster care system and turned into the real world with nothing more than a garbage bag full of clothes. Sometimes they get scholarships for college or subsidized housing, but basic essentials JIT acts as a surrogate family. Over 45 percent of foster kids become homeless, turn to crime or return to the cycle of abuse that they came from. JIT aims to change that percentage and give voice to an otherwise silent and overlooked population.
Fine Magazine is the main sponsor of these monthly VIP parties that began as social mixers but have turned into industry philanthropic opportunities.
On June 18, funds for JIT were raised by raffle tickets and live auctions. Raffle prizes included gift baskets, Padres tickets and a private chef’s dinner at Decanter. Items were donated by the following sponsors: Altenbern Insurance, the R.E.D. Team, Old Republic Home Protection, National Disclosure Source, Synergy Salon, Body Glove, Dr. Karam Carmel Valley Plastic Surgery, Decanter, Fine Magazine and Rio Sabadicci, creator of Vinturi wine aerators.
For more info, visit www.jitfosteryouth.org or call JIT Program Director Meredith Hall at (760) 505-6647.