Corks 2021 Raises Vital Funds
Watch a Recording of the “Party in Place” Livestream
Greensboro’s premier wine-tasting event, Corks for Kids Path, looked a little different this year as guests gathered on Zoom to celebrate the beloved community resource. Despite the limitations of the pandemic, the 14th Annual Corks for Kids Path raised nearly $90,000!
“It’s not quite what we expected,” said Kristen Yntema, President and CEO, as she welcomed guests into the meeting, “but we are grateful to be together – even virtually – to support the kids.”
Organizers of the event planned the inspiring and uplifting event as a “party in place.” Speakers took time to thank sponsors, complete a raffle drawing and to share more about the impact of Kids Path. The night ended as those on the call were encouraged to “raise a glass” in celebration of the program.
“Participating, even virtually, demonstrates that distance doesn’t keep us from our mission,” said Yntema. “We are still impacting lives every day. And tonight, your presence is impacting the lives of children facing serious illness and loss. Thank you!”
Corks for Kids Path is produced by a volunteer committee. This year, Jessica Ketner served as event chair. “It’s been an honor and privilege to chair this event,” said Ketner who was introduced to the fundraiser when she first moved to Greensboro in 2018. After serving on the planning committee she sought more ways to volunteer for the program. “I’ve experienced the organization’s impact firsthand through making memory bears with the children and their families out of sentimental items of their loved one, as well as giving the therapy garden at Kids Path a little make over so children can enjoy it when they come for their sessions as part of their healing process.”
Ketner explained how each year at Corks guests gather for a really fun time, but many don’t really know what Kids Path does. “I think a silver lining of this year’s event is that we get to share the amazing Kids Path story,” she said as she introduced a testimonial video, illustrating the transformative power of the program. Click here to see Josh’s Story.
“Facing a loss or illness is hard,” said Ketner. “I cannot begin to imagine what facing a loss or illness during a pandemic would be like. Our current world only makes their journey through grief and illness more complex. However, even a global crisis could not keep the dedicated staff of Kids Path from meeting the needs of children who need their help.”
Each year, Corks for Kids Path relies on amazing sponsors and volunteers. This year they had to pivot and creatively find a way to make the event possible. Last fall, when it was time to begin renewing support, we were experiencing another wave of the pandemic. “We had no idea what could be possible or when, but we forged ahead and asked for help,” said Paul Russ, vice president of marketing and development. “We actually said ‘we don’t know what Corks will look like or how we will do it, but the kids need your support, will you give?’” More than 80 companies and individuals gave nearly $90,000 without expectation of anything in return! “That is amazing and humbling,” said Russ.
Julie Tesh-Clark has been a Corks volunteer for 9 years. “We all love the event when we can be in person, but what I am most passionate about is the mission of Kids Path and what a difference they make for these children and their families. The staff and volunteers are incredible. And what they do for these kids is life-changing. That’s why we come together – to help the kids.”
Did you miss the event? Donate to AuthoraCare Collective Here.
To learn more, contact Paul Russ, Vice President of Marketing and Development, at [email protected] or 336.478.2502
