Column: Shorelines

Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia

Big Brothers Big Sisters staff members Beth Shearer, Cherie Eller, Sheila Andrews and Melanie Moore visit with Santa Claus during the December Cocktails for a Pointe.

These days, nonprofits have to be more creative than ever when it comes to raising money for their causes. Fortunately, one lake-area business is willing to help out.

For more than a year, Mariners Landing and its on-site restaurant, Benjamin's at the Pointe, have hosted Cocktails for a Pointe.

It works like this: Every third Saturday of the month from 5 until 8 p.m., a nonprofit is chosen to invite guests, donors and the general public to a cocktail reception. Mariners Landing provides banquet space, Benjamins provides light hors d'oeurvres and all bar tips as well as a percentage of food sales in the restaurant going to the charity.

"We feature a nonprofit every month," said Benjamin McGehee, director of operations for Benjamin's at the Pointe. "During these tough economic times, it's harder and harder [for nonprofits] to generate awareness for their organization."

Representatives from the charity are invited to make a presentation and pass out literature during the event.

"It's a very informal time to get together and have cocktails and learn more about that nonprofit," said McGehee. "It's been a good event for both awareness and for profits."

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia is one of the charities that has benefited from Cocktails for a Pointe. The nonprofit was featured twice last year and is planning to participate again this year, according to Sheila Andrews, the organization's CEO and president.

"It's a good way to expose your organization to people that may not know you, plus, it's a low-key, low-planning event to prepare for," said Andrews in an e-mail. "[You] just send out e-mails and invite people. And it's a good way to get more people into Mariner's. I would recommend it for other nonprofits."

Big Brothers Big Sisters also has participated in Roanoke's version of the event, Cocktails for a Cause.

"It's a spin-off of Cocktails for a Cause that they have in similar cities," said McGehee of the event at Mariners Landing. "We wanted to do something on our own and change it up a little bit."

Andrews pointed out that it's a win-win for non-profits to participate in events such as this. Not only is it a great way to promote the organization to lake residents and recruit volunteers and potential donors, but it's also a fun relaxing time for staff members to interact with their organization's board members and current donors.

According to the Mariners Landing Web site, a few charities have been booked for the benefit, but several other slots still are available.

"Typically, we have been booking [charities] about six to eight weeks in advance to avoid future conflicts," said Eric Torrey, front house manager at Benjamin's.

The Free Clinic of Central Virginia, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and Unbridled Change are three of the charities scheduled to participate in the coming year.

In the past, Cocktails for a Pointe has featured the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society in addition to BBBS, said McGehee.

Any nonprofit is eligible to participate in the monthly events, he said.

"We do open the events up to any nonprofit, but we like to focus on those charities giving back to the local community," said Torrey.

For more information about Cocktails for a Pointe, visit the Mariners Landing Web site at www.marinerslanding.com or call 296-1259.