The Hunt for the Reds of October Event Attracts Almost 700 Participants and Raises $3,500 for the American Red Cross

The Hunt for the Reds of October event, hosted for the entire month of October along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, tripled in size, exceeding expectations of both the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and the American Red Cross. Almost 700 people participated, and $3,500 was raised for the cause.

"It sort of took us by surprise, though in a great way," said Lorri Hathaway, Executive Director of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail."

The event was designed to showcase the quality reds being grown in northern Michigan while supporting the American Red Cross. Tickets were $10 per person, and $5 per ticket was donated to the the cause. Attendees received a complimentary wine pour at each of 24 wineries, which they could visit all at once or throughout the month.

"We were thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail," said Lisa Baker, Board Member of the Northwest Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross." I particularly enjoyed seeing our community blend with our out-of-town visitors supporting local businesses, enjoying the remarkable red wines of our area, all while helping us to fulfill the Red Cross mission."

The mission of the American Red Cross is "to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors." The Northwest Michigan Chapter coordinates volunteers for both local and national disaster responses, provides vital services to the Armed Forces, teaches lifesaving health and safety skills as well as collecting essential blood from local donors throughout Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties.

Donations to the American Red Cross can be made here. For more info, go to lpwines.com or redcross.org/nwmi.