Last spring, I received a substantial scholarship to participate in a Women’s Economic Ventures 14 week Self Employment Training Class. I wrote a business plan for The Write Alley Coaching and Writing Strategies and graduated with honors; at our graduation, I was voted class speaker. Subsequently, I was selected to speak at the 2010 Women’s Conference.

Now WEV is experiencing a severe budget shortfall and has turned to its graduates asking for them to help raise funds to support other women to go into business for themselves. Among other activities including a holiday boutique on Thursday that I’m participating in, Jade Restaurant is holding a Women’s Winemaker Dinner with net proceeds going to WEV.

The first ever celebration of Women in Wine of Santa Barbara will be held on two dates: Sunday December 5th at 6pm with Chrystal Clifton (Palmina), Morgan Clendenen (Cold Heaven), Kathy Joseph (Fiddlehead), Brooke Carhartt (Carhartt), and Teri Love (Gioia) and Wednesday December 8th at 6pm with Leslie Mead-Renaud (Foley, Lincourt), Jennifer Tensley (Lea), Karen Steinwachs (Buttonwood), Caren Rideau (Rideau), and Deborah Hall (Gypsy Canyon).

The same menu will be served both nights with a cost of $90 all-inclusive.  Seating is very limited; advance reservations by credit card required.  Call Jade at 805-563-2007 to reserve.  Jade is located at 3132 State St. in Santa Barbara  http://www.jadesb.com.

WEV is a local non-profit preparing women for success in business endeavors. Learn more at  www.wevonline.org