Vintner’s Circle Raises Money, Awareness to Fight Domestic Violence

Hackettstown winemaking shop donates $1,100 to Warren County chapter of Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, June 24, 2010 — Vintner’s Circle Hackettstown sponsored a fun event to raise more than $1,000 for a serious cause.

The local winemaking shop, located in Patriot’s Plaza on Route 46, was the site of its “Community with a Conscience” event, a six-hour wine-tasting celebration with live music, free food and a silent auction of goods donated from local merchants.  All proceeds were donated to the Warren County chapter of Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center.

Pictured: Pam Farago, David Schmeltzle and Judith Wiegand

The Hackettstown winemaking shop has donated to the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County since 2006, when the shop opened.

“Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice show that 25 percent of women are physically assaulted or raped.  More than half of those women have children under the age of 12,” said David Schmeltzle, President of Vintners Circle Franchising and owner of Vintner’s Circle Hackettstown.  “We are thrilled to be part of a community dedicated to helping those in need.  If this money keeps one local woman or child from suffering, it’s a success.”

The food was donated by Brian’s Market, and a live music performance by Lelica Palecco.  A silent auction was held throughout the afternoon, where people could bid on items like a mountain bike, a grill, a hammock, Hungarian oak wine barrels, and a handcrafted wine rack.  Skylands Bank, A&P Liquors and C’mere Cupcake also committed to helping out the important cause.

“By supporting the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center,” says David, “we not only help the charity, but also help the community as a whole.”