The annual fundraiser is looking for a new date and venue, but the Cody chapter of Soroptimist International isn’t confirming any details at the present time.
On Friday morning, Feb. 12, the Cody chapter of Soroptimist International announced that their 47th Annual Wine Tasting Party has been postponed. The non-profit’s 2020’s event was cancelled due to the initial onslaught of COVID-19 was rescheduled exactly one year to the day of their 2020 event – March 20, 2021.
But this time, the event has been postponed indefinitely. A future date for the annual event isn’t being announced or considered at this time.
There are two reasons for the indefinite hiatus: COVID-19 and the Cody Auditorium.
While Wyoming’s public health orders are gradually allowing for larger indoor events and crowds, it’s still not enough for the anticipated size of the annual wine tasting. Historically, the Soroptimist Wine Tasting Party hosts anywhere from 500 to 600 people every year.
In a statement released by the Cody chapter, it explains that local and national COVID-19 restrictions make holding and rescheduling this event difficult.
“Along with Soroptimist International of the Americas placing a federation-wide temporary pause on Soroptimist activities and fundraisers, we have decided to indefinitely postpone our 47th Annual Wine Tasting Party until a new location can be found and the Covid-19 indoor restrictions enforced by our State, local Park County and Soroptimist International of the Americas, are eased and/or lifted. It is in our Community’s best interest to not hold this Annual Fundraiser.”
Regardless of when events can commence, the Cody Soroptimists will have another issue to resolve. In the same statement, they announced that the event will no longer be hosted at the Cody Auditorium.
“Soroptimist of Cody, Wyoming will also be looking for a new location to hold their Annual Wine Tasting Party. The Cody Auditorium and City of Cody recently notified Club President Kelly Eissinger, that ‘only non-alcohol events can be held in the future, at the Cody Auditorium due to the Cody Auditorium’s lack of a fire suppression system.'”
Installation of an automatic fire suppression system at the auditorium would easily cost more than $100,000. At this time, the Cody City Council has not allocated money towards this purpose.
The Annual Wine Tasting Party is the first major event traditionally held in the Cody Auditorium to announce it will be seeking another venue.
The Cody Soroptimists ask anyone who’s already pre-purchase tickets to hold on to them. When the fundraiser is rescheduled at a new time and place, those tickets will be honored.
“All monetary donations, wine tasting sponsors funds, and silent auction items already received, are still recognized and greatly appreciated…and will now be used towards our 47th Annual Wine Tasting Party, when it is securely and safely rescheduled. We truly appreciate your donations, your support, and your patience during this unprecedented time.”
Please feel free to reach out to Wine Tasting Party Chairperson Nicole Burr at 307) 899-4344 or email nikiramz@yahoo.com with any questions or concerns.
