Sip and Sparkle virtual party to warm seniors with More than Meals

United Way Greater Victoria is hosting a Sip and Sparkle Soirée, billed as Greater Victoria’s largest virtual holiday office party, on Dec. 9.

All funds raised will warm isolated seniors’ bellies and their hearts through United Way’s More than Meals program.

Participants will receive a do-it-yourself holiday kit complete with a 100-millilitre bottle of Devine Honey Amber Shine rum (mocktail options are available), cocktail ingredients, sweet treats from the Fairmont Empress and an auction booklet.

Mixologist Soren Schepkowski, head bartender at Wind Cries Mary, will show guests how to make two festive holiday drinks.

Participants will be encouraged to deck their rooms for Zoom, with the winner of the Deck Your Halls contest receiving a $100 gift card from Peninsula Co-op.

“This holiday season will obviously be very different due to COVID-19, but the desire and spirit to come together with friends and family in a safe and fun manner is highly appealing, so we came up with the idea to host a virtual holiday office party like no other,” said Mark Breslauer, CEO of United Way Greater Victoria.

“It’s a win-win-win for all — the ticket price helps feed isolated seniors in our community, celebrates local businesses, and provides people with a venue to get their sparkle on for the season with friends, family and/or co-workers.”

The event is a partnership between the United Way Greater Victoria, the Fairmont Empress, Devine Distillery and Winery and various local artisans.

The event is sponsored by the Times Colonist, OCEAN 98.5 and CHEK News.

Tickets are $50 each or $250 for a group of six (tax receipt available for a portion of ticket price). The event runs 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 via Zoom.

• Tickets can be purchased at uwgv.ca/sparkle.