Intellectual Disabilities Agency Fundraiser | Wine & Beer Tasting + Auction

A Beer & Wine Fest and Silent Auction will be held at Blacksburg Country Club on May 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Intellectual Disabilities Agency (IDA), the money raised at this fundraiser will benefit the programs of IDA which provide educational, recreational, and social opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the New River Valley. IDA is a community-based non-profit started in 1965 by parents of disabled children who wanted their children to have the same opportunities as their peers. Services provided by IDA include bowling, softball, swimming, a fishing rodeo, and cooking classes. Dances, are held quarterly at the Christiansburg Recreation Center, and are eagerly anticipated by IDA?s clients and volunteers all throughout the year. Participation in IDA?s activities allows those with disabilities to develop skills that enable them to become part of their community thus greatly improving their quality of life. IDA clients are paired with volunteers for most sports activities which provides them with opportunities for social interaction and growth. Clients, with limited resources in a rural area, frequently do not have access to transportation. IDA provides van transportation to and from events and sports practices allowing a greater number of clients to participate. Such a necessary resource for the betterment of our community certainly comes with increased costs. While IDA is a United Way partner agency, the organization is growing at a rapid rate and raising money to serve more local clients. ?We are so appreciative for the United Way?s support,? commented Sheila Roop, Executive Director of IDA, ?but ours is a unique funding dilemma because our clients need our services for the rest of their lives. The number of people we serve increases each year.? The Wine & Beer Fest and Silent Auction features a hand-selected array of wines from the Vintage Cellar, hors d?oeuvres prepared by the Executive Chef at BCC, auction items from local businesses and beyond, and music provided by Earl Brown and Dynamic Sound. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. To purchase tickets, make a donation, or for more information contact Sheila Roop at (540) 381-0310, or sheila@idanrv.org.