Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West long-standing member, former president and Paul Harris Fellow Warwick Downs passed away Christmas Day 2021.
His substantial collection of red wines was in excess of family requirements, so his wife Robyn offered the collection to the Rotary Club, to raise funds for the community.
Coordinated by Neville Gilbertson, a relationship was forged with the Stand Like Stone Foundation.
This eventuated into an opportunity to join with Stand Like Stone’s 20th Anniversary celebrations at The Barn Palais, with a wine auction realised.
The proceeds were earmarked to supplement an existing Sub Fund, the L M Woodruff Memorial Scholarship, which provides scholarships to assist students identifying with the Limestone Coast undertake a nursing career at any level.
This seemed like a perfect fit, with Warwick, always keen for the formation of a local community foundation, Robyn being a former nurse and the wine stock, providing the perfect conduit for further community assistance.
A fabulous celebration was organised by the Stand Like Stone Foundation, which was attended by the members, supporters and community of the Limestone Coast.
Experienced vigneron and auctioneer David Herbert was at his skilful best at the auction, encouraging $16,390 of investments, from the assembled patrons, for the L M Woodruff Memorial Scholarship held within the Stand Like Stone Foundation.
In all a perfect result was achieved for the benefactor family, the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West, the Stand Like Stone Foundation, including the scholarship founders and the community for years to come.
