by Anthony Glassman

Columbus--A half-dozen restaurants provided culinary counterpoints to a selection of red and white wines from around the world at the Camp Sunrise Wine Tasting on January 28.

The event, held this year at the 225 North Fourth Condos, raised $5,000, enough to send five young people to the summer camp, which serves the needs of children affected by HIV.

It was the third annual event to benefit Camp Sunrise, and this year saw the involvement of DJ Moxy, as well as food from Barcelona, Basi, Caf? Corner, Alta, RJ Snappers and Katzinger?s Delicatessen.

?With over 15,000 people in the state of Ohio living with HIV, we know that there are young people out there who could benefit from our services,? said program manager Katie McKee. ?Fundraisers such as the wine tasting are imperative to continuing the efforts of Camp Sunrise.?

The weeklong experience, open to youth aged six to 17, not only offers the usual camp activities such as canoeing, hiking, and swimming, but also special things like carnivals, shows and dances.

Camp Sunrise also has the Sundog Program, for youth 15 to 17. Sundog is designed specifically to develop confidence, self-esteem, and coping skills for older campers who would like more leadership and responsibility. The teens spend the week learning more about their peers and themselves. A weekend retreat beforehand helps develop a stronger bond before working and playing together at camp.