Owl’s Head Wine Bar to host fundraiser tonight in support of Orlando

In light of a recent shooting rampage that left 49 people dead and 53 wounded at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, local business owners and residents are finding ways to take action against the hateful event that is resonating with people all over the country.

John Avelluto, owner of The Owl’s Head Wine Bar (479 74th Street), decided the best course of action was an immediate one.

“It just really came out of frustration for what was happening in Orlando and just trying to find out ways we could help out immediately,” said Avelluto. “So, I just went to get a bunch of wine [the proceeds of which will go toward] two organizations – one that helps youth in the LGBTQ community, called It Gets Better, which really encourages them to be who they are, especially in light of what’s happening, and Equality Florida, which benefits the LGBTQ community particularly against hate crimes down in that area.”

The wine bar will hold the fundraiser tonight, Monday, June 13 (although it is normally closed on Mondays) from 6 to 10 p.m. and will feature $6 wines – 100 percent of the proceeds from which will go to the It Gets Better Project and Equality Florida. Sixpoint Craft Ales will be donating beer to the effort.

“I think that it’s really important because a lot of people, my friends, are directly involved [and affected] by this,” Avelluto said. “It would be great to show that even here, there’s an outcry about this. No matter how far away it is, I want to make sure that people feel free to be who they are.”