Summer is here. Let's help others while enjoying Wine Down Wednesdays

Winston Gieseke, Palm Springs Desert Sun
·2 min read
More than 100 people showed up at Wildest Restaurant on June 30, 2021, to raise money for Desert Cancer Foundation.
More than 100 people showed up at Wildest Restaurant on June 30, 2021, to raise money for Desert Cancer Foundation.

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.

One of the many ways the couple benefits their community is through their summertime Wine Down Wednesday (WDW) events. On Wednesdays, Marker Broadcasting, along with a local food and beverage sponsor, hosts a $15 all-you-can-drink happy hour with all monies going to a local nonprofit.

This summer's WDW kicked off June 1, with Vicky's of Santa Fe hosting and approximately 130 people in attendance. More than $3,200 was raised for Variety - the Children's Charity of the Desert. The event also benefited from a dozen silent auction items, from donated dinners to weekend getaways.

Here is a list of upcoming Wine Down Wednesday events, including the location/sponsor and beneficiary. Come enjoy a glass of wine while giving back to a worthwhile organization.

June 22 - Kitchen 86 + Bar benefiting Bighorn Institute

July 29 - Acqua California Bistro benefiting Desert Cancer Foundation

July 6 - Fireside Lounge at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa benefiting Guide Dogs of the Desert

July 13 - Lulu California Bistro benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs

July 20 - Eight4Nine benefiting LifeStream Blood Bank

July 27 - Willie’s Modern Fare benefiting Les Dames d'Escoffier

Aug. 3 - Pinz & Pints at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa benefiting the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

Aug. 10 - Bobby Botina's Mexican & American Grille benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters

Aug. 17 - J’s Deli benefiting Shay’s Warriors

Aug. 24 - Porta Via Palm Desert benefiting Patriots Hockey

Aug. 31 - Margaritaville benefiting the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus

Sept. 7 - Il Corso, Palm Desert benefiting First Tee of the Coachella Valley

Sept. 14 - Kaiser Grille, Palm Desert benefiting Family YMCA of the Desert

Sept. 21 - Fresh Agave Mexican Bar & Grill benefiting Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

Sept. 28 - The Cantina, Indio benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire

Wine Down Wednesday is sponsored by Todd and Meg Marker, owners of Marker Broadcasting. They are photographed at Wildest Restaurant in Palm Desert on June 30, 2021.
Wine Down Wednesday is sponsored by Todd and Meg Marker, owners of Marker Broadcasting. They are photographed at Wildest Restaurant in Palm Desert on June 30, 2021.

Businesses and nonprofits interested in being part of a future Wine Down Wednesday event can call (760) 568-4550.

As the philanthropy and special sections editor at The Desert Sun, Winston Gieseke writes about nonprofits, fundraising and people who give back in the Coachella Valley. Reach him at winston.gieseke@desertsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Summer is here. Let's help others while enjoying Wine Down Wednesdays