A brief recap for all of our new customers: I started Corks for Kids in 2006 as a wine tasting event to raise money for the NC Children’s Hospital. You know, the hospital over in Chapel Hill that takes care of kids from all over the state of North Carolina? Yep, all of them. This is the state’s Children’s Hospital – not a Chapel Hill thing. They treat every child, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. And while the state provides the funds to keep the lights on, events like Corks help provide funding for cutting edge research and programs that have vaulted the Children’s Hospital into the national spotlight! North Carolina Children’s Hospital has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” in the publication’s 2020-21 rankings. This marks the 13th consecutive year that UNC Hospitals has been ranked among the nation’s preeminent pediatric facilities by U.S. News Media Group! And they received Top 30 recognition in Pulmonology (#22) and Diabetes / Endocrinology (#13)! 

And they saved my wife and daughter’s lives. Long story… So I kind of owe them… 

To date, we have raised over $750,000 raised since the inception of Corks!  

Gifts like yours help fund research grants to provide cutting edge care. For me, though, my favorite projects are the little ones. The ones that don’t seem like much, but make a huge impact on the lives of children receiving care at the hospital. Remember, these are kids we’re talking about. Their healing and care involves so much more than just clinical treatment. Take, for example, the young kids who have to sit through hours long procedures – how jarring and unsettling it is to be hooked up to machines… with all the beeping and whizzing and people rushing around and… yeah, not exactly a great recipe for a calm child. Through gifts like yours, the hospital can purchase iPads and iGlasses that provide multi-sensory distraction during these trying procedures. Or computers for the high school aged kids… who just want to go back to their life when they finally check out, not being a grade behind, or having to switch classes or attend summer school. They need to stay on top of their homework, and your gifts can help. 

I know you get asked by hundreds of people a year to donate. And there isn’t enough money to fund every good cause. So I thank you for considering this one. 

Details will be forthcoming about our virtual winemaker tastings and auction. Yes, an auction! Virtual, of course.

And we need donations! Wine and UNC/Duke sports memorabilia are always hot items. If you wish to make a donation to the Silent or Live Auction, just hit reply and let me know!

If you wish to make a cash donation, simply reply to this email and let us know how much. We’ll then invoice you and get the ball rolling. You can pay via credit card, and all donations are completely tax deductible. 

Thank you again. 

Todd Wielar