Local Crowd Enjoys “Winefest” Fundraiser

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The Kids for Sports (KFS) nonprofit organization held its ninth annual “Wine Fest” Fundraiser at Terrace at Wolf Creek Restaurant on Wednesday evening, Sept. 28.

It was a balmy evening out on the patio of the restaurant and attendees were enjoying it. There were wines to taste from Break Thru Beverage and mixed drinks from Tito’s Spirits.

Wolf Creek’s volunteer staff tended the appetizer table and provided a wonderful buffet featuring ribeye steak and salmon – all donated by Wolf Creek.

The tables were beautifully set with hand-decorated wine bottles for centerpieces from Mesquite R.A.I.S.E. group.

A lot of work was put into making this gala evening enticing for guests. This work was all done by volunteers, from staff to board members and goodwill of local business willing to support the local KFS cause.

A multitude of silent auction items and raffle prizes were on display at their respective tables. Attendees mulled around these prizes considering what they would bid on to help in the fundraising effort.
Mike Rye provided the music. The Mesquite Showgirls greeted the guests and sold raffle tickets.
Annette Vierra, Wolf Creek Controller and KFS volunteer worker confirmed that there were 100 people in attendance. Proceeds raised for KFS were over $16,000.

Cory Clemetson, co-founder of KFS; along with his brother Chad; acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event. He welcomed the crowd and thanked all the many volunteers that helped make the night possible. He also acknowledged by name the many City officials in attendance, the sponsors, and the KFS Advisory Board.

Clemetson gave a heartfelt speech reminding the audience of how the idea came to him and his brother for the need to create the foundation. He talked about how quickly local citizens offered support.
“In the past nine years the foundation has given $350,000 to help the local kids be able to participate in the sport of their choice,” Clemetson said. “The foundation supports kids who could not afford to be on a team because of personal expenses, shoes, uniforms, lodging for away games and such.

Coach Kai Davis introduced two eighth grade student guests. The first was Maddie Wright from the girls Mesquite Magic basketball team that won both Las Vegas League and the St George League play-offs.

The other was Corban Waite who played on the boys Mesquite Magic basketball team that won the Las Vegas League play-offs. These opportunities for the kids were made possible with help from KFS, Davis said.

The KFS Foundation believes that the discipline and responsibility of playing team sports help children become a productive member of society.

Clemetson left the audience with a Greek Proverb that he said affected him greatly. He related that, at his very first meeting for new coaches, a seasoned coach told the group that you must know why you are coaching. The seasoned coach said, “A Society grows great when old men plant trees for shade they will never sit in.”