Rotary Wine Survivor live elimination party gearing up for another successful year

The 2026 Rotary Wine Survivor live elimination party will take place Friday, Feb. 13, at the Stratford Army Navy, located at 151 Lorne Ave. East. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the live event starting at 7 p.m. Attendees who purchase tickets do not need to be physically present to win prizes.

Last year’s event raised more than $10,000, with all proceeds going to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation. Each year, the Festival City Rotary group purchases items the hospital foundation identifies as priorities. Past purchases have included a hospital bed valued at more than $10,000 three years ago, three new dialysis chairs for the cancer clinic two years ago and five maternity recliners for the maternity unit last year.

Wine Survivor has been a staple community fundraiser since launching in 2018, taking only a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Festival City Rotary member Bill Helmuth said the high-energy event offers a fun night out for anyone over the age of 19.

“We always get a lot of good feedback from people every year,” he said. “It’s just a really fun night for everyone, and it’s great to support the hospital foundation.”

This year’s grand prize winner will take home 50 bottles of wine. Other prizes include 30 bottles of wine for one winner, 20 bottles of wine for one winner and 10 bottles of wine for six winners. All remaining participants will be eligible to win one of eight $25 LCBO gift cards.

Some of the wine has been donated by local vineyards, while other bottles are purchased by Festival City Rotary. The main sponsor this year is Orr Insurance.

The event will feature a cash bar, a live gift card wall, live music and plenty of wine, cheese and snacks. A silent auction will also run throughout the evening and will include meat boxes donated by local farmers.

During the night, the band pauses as organizers draw names in batches for elimination rounds. When names are called, participants find out whether they remain in the competition or have been eliminated from the running to win wine.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in-person from rotary members, by email at tickets@festivalcityrotary.ca or by calling 519-274-2134.