A wine tasting fundraiser for the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County may sound contradictory after their usual OkSOBERfest fundraisers but an evening of wine tasting, dining and dancing is planned for Saturday, Oct. 8.

“I thought it would catch people’s eye. IDIPIC wants to emphasize it’s really about choices and responsibility, not eliminating alcohol from events,” said Director JoAnn Hellmann.

IDIPIC’s mission is to deter driving under the influence and underage drinking through education and awareness.

Whidbey Wine, Dine and Dance will take place Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge.

Enjoy wine tasting and a four-course Italian dinner. Dance along to SeaNotes Big Band’s swing, Latin and ballroom tunes. The Whidbey Improv Team and Whidbey’s Conductor of Fun Jim Freeman will provide entertainment.

Silent and live auctions will include 50 gift baskets and certificates, including several Seattle attractions.

No matter who you are, Hellmann said IDIPIC’s mission to prevent driving under the influence affects you.

“You do get out on the road as a motorist or passenger so this involves everyone,” Hellmann said.

Proceeds will benefit IDIPIC’s work in the school educating children for “safer kids, safer roads.” IDIPIC doesn’t charge schools for its work, including underage drinking prevention panels in Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, driver’s education class instruction and pre-prom safety events at Oak Harbor High School, safety class presentations at North Whidbey Middle School, Positive Influences Changing Kid’s Lives at Elementary Schools at Oak Harbor Elementary School and more.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. A table of eight is $160 if reserved by Oct. 1.

Tickets are available at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce or by calling IDIPIC at 672-8219.

To donate, mail donations to IDIPIC, PO Box 358, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.