Wine Down Wednesday returns to raise money for local nonprofits

If you thought you had to wait until season starts up again to give back to your community, you've got another think coming.

You can raise money for worthwhile organizations every week simply by having a glass of wine. Or two. Because Wine Down Wednesday is back.

Every Wednesday through the end of summer, Marker Broadcasting, along with a local food and beverage sponsor, is once again hosting a $15 happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. with all monies going to a local nonprofit. An event held July 3 at Kitchen 86 + Bar in Palm Desert benefited Shay's Warriors. Up next on July 17, happy hour at Foxy's in Rancho Mirage will raise money for Jewish Family Service of the Desert.

Giving back has long been important to Todd and Meg Marker, owners of Marker Broadcasting, a Coachella Valley-based company that controls five local radio stations, including KOOL 95.9 FM and Big 106 Country KPLM.

"We're a locally owned broadcast company," Meg told The Desert Sun in 2021. "Community is everything to us."

The idea for Wine Down Wednesday was Todd's. "I was in the wine business in Minneapolis before I got into the broadcasting business," he said. "I thought it would be a great way to showcase some of our desert restaurants while benefiting some local charities."

Meg says this year's beneficiaries are taking in between $2,000 and $4,000 at each Wine Down event, which includes funds raised from raffle tickets; the Markers project that this summer's series will take in $100,000. Over the past 20+ years, Wine Down Wednesday has raised close to $1 million for Coachella Valley nonprofits.

But the Markers are quick to share the credit. "It would not be possible without our sponsors," said Meg, a Rancho Mirage city councilmember. "These events would not happen without restaurants stepping forward and offering us their space. We have lists of charities that would like this to happen every Wednesday. Our sponsors help our community more than they realize."

This year's sponsors include Cindy Pieper at State Farm, General Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Land Rover Rancho Mirage and Audi Rancho Mirage. "They are all wonderful," Meg said.

As philanthropy editor at The Desert Sun, Winston Gieseke writes about nonprofits, fundraising and locals who give back, like his beloved dog Ernie Banks, who volunteers at the local cancer center. Reach him at [email protected].

Wine Down Wednesday continues

Come enjoy a glass of wine while helping to raise money for a worthwhile organization.

July 17 - Foxy's, Rancho Mirage, benefiting Jewish Family ServiceJuly 24 - The Hideout, Palm Desert, benefiting Bighorn InstituteJuly 31 - Jackalope Ranch, Indio, benefiting Pegasus Riding AcademyAug. 7 - DJ's Sports Bar, Cathedral City, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral CityAug. 14 - Amala at the Palm Springs Surf Club, benefiting Guide Dogs of the DesertAug. 21 - Pinzimini at The Westin Rancho Mirage, benefiting ACT for MSAug. 28 - The Mary Pickford Theatre, Cathedral City, benefiting United Cerebral PalsySept. 4 - Lulu California Bistro, Palm Springs, benefiting the Palm Springs Gay Men's ChorusSept. 11 - Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, benefiting Mizell CenterSept. 18 - Omni Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho MirageSept. 25 - Kaiser Grille, Palm Springs, benefiting Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Wine Down Wednesday returns to raise money for local nonprofits