PETOSKEY, MI -- A new fundraiser with a twist is being planned by a group of local, young professionals.

The Instant Wine Cellar is scheduled for 7-11 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Stafford's Gallery in Petoskey. The night will feature a chance to win a collection of wine or a bundle of craft beer and will include live entertainment from Northern Michigan's own Boyne River Remedy.  

Entry to the event is a bottle of wine or six-pack of craft beer or $15. With the purchase of raffle tickets, guests have a chance to “Win an Instant Wine Cellar – or 99 Bottles of Craft Beer” from the donated beverages. Adding to the entertainment, there will be a silent auction, as well as hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

A special committee is organizing the evening to benefit Char-Em United Way and hope to bring awareness to the positive impact the organization has on the community. Ben Crockett, AmeriCorps VISTA from Char-Em United Way and Betsy Britton of Korthase-Flinn Insurance and Financial Services of Boyne City, serve as the event co-chairs.

"We need some new events in Northern Michigan." said Ben Crockett, co-chair of the event committee. “This will be a great chance for young people in the area to get together for a good cause.”

All proceeds from the Instant Wine Cellar will support Char-Em United Way.  The funds will stay local to support effective health and human service programs which impact the education, income and health needs of the residents of Emmet and Charlevoix counties.  In addition to funding services of other agencies, United Way provides lead support for the Volunteer Connections program and the 2-1-1 information and referral system.

For more information, contact United Way at 231-487-1006 or info@charemunitedway.org, visit www.charemunitedway.org or find them on Facebook.