by Jamie Sweeney
Contributor
Ever dreamed of staying in a picturesque French village just minutes away from the Mediterranean Sea? Can you see yourself sipping fine wine on your very own terrace while gazing out at the vineyards and foothills in the distance?
If a week’s stay at a private villa in the wine-growing town of Armissan, France, sounds like just what the doctor ordered, then mark your calendar for the evening of Friday, June 8, for the chance to win the trip of a lifetime at the Brooks Fund’s third annual travel raffle and live announcement party, Wanderlust.
Created at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The H. Franklin Brooks Philanthropic Fund works to prevent disconnection, promote understanding and provide education within the GLBT community of Middle Tennessee.
A ticket into this summer’s hottest bash, to be held at the Cannery Ballroom located downtown on Nashville’s historic Cannery Row off 8th Avenue South, automatically puts you in the running to win the grand prize—a week’s stay at your own private abode in the southwest of France, large enough to house up to 10 of your closest friends.
The winner also receives a roundtrip flight for two to France and will be wished a bon voyage at a send-off party at the Radisson Nashville Airport prior to departure. Your admission also includes drink tickets and hors d'oeuvres, along with the chance to win a door prize and bid on other fantastic getaways and travel-related items at the silent auction. Well-known throughout dance clubs across the country for his progressive deep-house groove mixes, DJ Minddub will be providing the booty-shaking entertainment at this year’s soiree.
After receiving a gaming permit from the state when the Charitable Gaming Act passed with the lottery initiative in 2003, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee used the permit to establish the travel raffle that has become the annual event now known as Wanderlust, benefiting the Brooks Fund. The Brooks Fund was founded in memory of H. Franklin Brooks, a Vanderbilt University professor who worked tirelessly for the equality of gay and lesbian students on campus.
Tickets to Wanderlust can be purchased at www.thebrooksfund.org. Raffle tickets are $50 and must be purchased by midnight on June 7. The winner of the trip for two to France will be announced during the evening. Participants do not have to be present at Wanderlust to win the raffle, but only those present will be entered into the drawing for the door prize. The evening’s festivities kick off at 7p.m., and all proceeds benefit the Brooks Fund.
For more information on Wanderlust contact Michael McDaniel at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, (615) 321-4939 or mmcdaniel@cfmt.org.