Two FUNraisers!!!

Fairfield State Delegate, Brenda Kupchik, REF member Fran Wilder and a friend at the Wine and Beer tasting fundraiser to benefit Fairfield Foundation for Education 10/18/2014.

A selection of oils and vinegars to taste in addition to wines and beers.

The brave and talented contestants with Fred Astaire instructors and MC, Pat Dyer.

After the competition, everyone kicked up their heels.

One of the contestants, Jessica Lee, chatting with a friend after the performance.

There was a Cha Cha lesson for everyone.

REF members are active in many different non-profit, activities which help the community in many ways. On Saturday, October 18, 2014, there were two fantastic events held on the same night within a mile of each other.....Fran Wilder's group, Fairfield Foundation for Education http://fairfieldffe.org/About_FairfieldFFE/, which raises funds to support Fairfield teachers in innovative classroom initiatives, sponsored a wine and beer tasting at the Fairfield History Center. There were many wine and beer selections, even gourmet oils and vinegars to taste along with a lovely selection of cheeses and other goodies. Among the attendees was Brenda Kupchik http://cthousegop.com/brenda-kupchick/, Fairfield representative to the CT State Assembly.

Then, just up the street at the Gaelic American Club, Elizabeth Power was a "star" competing to raise money for the Mercy Center http://www.mercylearningcenter.org/ in GAC's "Dancing With The Stars". Competitors in the dance event worked with instructors from the Fred Astaire Studio in Southport http://www.dancefairfield.com/ for months, preparing to perform before the audience and the judges.They were judged by a panel of professionals and then the audience got to vote. Every contestant won money for his/her chosen charity. First prize winner received $500.

In addition to Elizabeth's Tango performance (click here to see that video http://www.refblog.org/411934438 ) , the audience was also treated to Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing and Samba. Then there was a Cha Cha lesson for everyone and a number of student/teacher performances. The evening was capped off by dessert and coffee. The hall was packed to capacity, and a good time was had by all.

Kudos to Elizabeth and all of the brave contestants. There could be only one first place winner, but all of the participants deserved to win, and the enthusiastic audience amply showed their appreciation. (There are some captions. Click on individual photos to see them.)

Fairfield State Delegate, Brenda Kupchik, REF member Fran Wilder and a friend at the Wine and Beer tasting fundraiser to benefit Fairfield Foundation for Education 10/18/2014.