Whew! What a freaking blast we had this time around. I’m still exhausted, overwhelmed and yet can’t wait for the fourth event in 2018. Cutting to the chase, I’m talking about Cocktails on the Roof that benefits the WiSH Education Foundation, which, in turn, benefits all of the students in the Hart District.

Eve Bushman Consulting created the out-of-the-box event to showcase the bar programs of our local restaurants and bring in single spirit vendors. We added a rooftop venue, a DJ with a large dance area, private and public lounges, tons of food and mini martini glasses for sampling. NO ONE has tried to duplicate this event. We own it! And special thanks go to my co-hosts Exec. Dir. Amy Daniels – for ALL of the legwork – and Marlee Lauffer for spreading the word. Committee members that continue this out-of-the-box thinking every year include WiSH Board President Richard Cohn, WiSH VP Lynne Secrest along with Judy Penman, Ed Masterson, Dawn Begley, Mitch Russell and Rochelle Gallimore.

One more thing we do, in case that’s not enough, we ask our guests to vote on their favorite cocktails of the night. We settle on the top three and this year’s winners are #1. Olive Terrace Bar and Grill. #2 Marstons Valencia and #3 Deep Eddy Vodka.

This year, besides having a larger event space, almost doubling our footprint, we had some new vendors joining our existing usual suspects. (No time to read? Watch the fun in this 3-minute slideshow.)

NEWS FROM THE WISH EDUCATION FOUNDATION: In a letter to our vendors Wish Exec. Dire. Amy Daniels wrote, “On behalf of Eve Bushman, Marlee Lauffer and the Board of Directors of the WiSH Education Foundation, I want to thank you for your generosity with your time and product to help make this year’s Cocktails on the Roof the best one yet!  The response was incredible on social media and we do hope you had an amazing time on THE ROOF!

Because of you, WiSH raised over $45,000 in just three hours, allowing us to make a significant difference for school programs this year.  For this academic year, our funding focus is STEAM with an emphasis on the ARTS, and we appreciate your involvement in helping us reach for higher goals.  In fact, we raised over $11,000 more this year than last – and we hope to do the same again next year, with your help.”

Our Vendors

Deep Eddy Vodka, LA Scotch Club, JFC International soju-based cocktails, Speakeasy Bakery, Honu Coffee with Jameson Irish Whisky Coffee, solita Tacos and Margaritas, Sisley Italian Kitchen, Newhall Refinery, NEW: Bonefish Grill, NEW: An Indian Affair, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewery, Persia Restaurant and Lounge, Salt Creek Grille, Oaks Grill at TPC, NEW: Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company with a Coffee Martini, NEW: Vines Restaurant and Bar, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Olive Terrace Bar and Grill, NEW: Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur, Lazy Dog, Sweet Beams Ice Cream, Marston’s, The Distillery at Opolo, Vina Sympatica sparkling wine and NEW: Scoob’s Original Frozen premium cookies.

Just Some of the 2017 Raves

Michael – Such a great evening for a wonderful cause, made better by meeting up with old friends!

Leslie – Had a blast last night at Cocktails on the Roof benefiting the Wish Education Foundation with my guy and gals.

Nicole – Amy Daniels, Successful, fun event! Congrats!

Karen – Eve Hammond Bushman! You have done it again! Better than ever.

Lisa – Had a blast at Cocktails on the Roof with all (my) fabulous friends! #cotr17

Steve – After a lousy day, good food and fine spirits help a lot…especially when it is for a great cause. Thank you Eve Bushman.

Dana – Best time at Cocktails on the Roof in Santa Clarita fundraiser for the Wish Foundation.

Patti – Tons of fun at Cocktails on the Roof 2017! Great job Amy Daniels and Eve Bushman! A job well done!

Vicki – Having a blast for a wonderful organization.

Heather – Date nights are great nights…eat, drink, and dance for a great cause! Fun event Eve!

Pam –Had a great time at Cocktails on the Roof! Congrats Amy Daniels, Eve Bushman and Marlee Lauffer for another outstanding event benefiting the Wish Education Foundation!

Karen – This year’s event was my first event. The event was fantastic!

Cheryl – There were so many wonderful people there…

Lauren – A fun evening indeed!

Tiffany – Had so much fun. Was great seeing everyone.

Nick – We had an amazing time at Cocktails on the Roof 2017 last night benefiting WISH Education Foundation!

Robin – It was really fun, and the food was amazing!

Terry (We had) a blast with the Mirror Booth…!

Hilary – Next year I’m SOOOOOOO going.

Steve S. – Another Cocktails on the Roof in the bag! So much fun and generous people!

Sponsors

Patrice Rifkind with Audiology Associates, Nick Rose Insurance Agency, Inc., Littler Mendelson, Julie M. Sturgeon CPA, Peterson Printing, Chiquita Canyon, Steven B. Chegwin CPA, the Magazine of Santa Clarita, SCV elite Magazine, Randy Plaice and Associates, Jeff and Melanie Meyer with Thrivent Financial, Westfield Valencia, EveBushmanConsulting.com, Eve’s Wine 101, Lundgren Mgt., Enchanted Kids, Oasis Associates, Craig and Lisa Eichman, Sol Print Solutions, Mitchpickswine/Mitch and Leslie Russell, SOS Entertainment, 24/7 Events, Andy Gump, Burrtec, California Credit Company, Brightview Tree Company, The Signal, All Business Matters, The Watters Group, KHTS and SCVTV.  Special thanks to Genesis Moss, Print & Web Design (www.genesismoss.com), for creating our brand new dedicated website, www.cocktailsontheroofscv.org.

Volunteers to Thank

Noah Daniels, Amy Daniels, Doug Penman, Carolyn Lodes, Diane McGrory, Mary Bradway, Leonard Leto, Robin Wimsatt, Ellen Hawthorne, Lee Lodes, Vicki White, Barbara Meyer, Adele MacPherson, Vicki Tungate, Cheryl Gray, Judy Penman, Nicole Stinson, Sue Hayward, Danise Davis, Terry Gallimore, JoAnn Manzo, Al Hayward, Verna Velasquez, Marissa Velasquez, Jennifer Goins, Sue Cacic, Debbie Walker, Dave Cacic, Justin Neely + two, Pat Willett, Niki Feast Williams, John Rogers and Holly Bellamy.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com