The scholarship committee of the Central Carolinas Phi Beta Kappa Association will hold a wine tasting event at Elliott's on Linden in Pinehurst on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.

"The community is invited to attend," says a spokesman. "A unique selection of wines and award-winning hors d'oeuvres will be served."

This year, an addition to the event will be a silent auction to raise additional funds for the scholarships and awards given annually by the association. Since 2003, the association has awarded over $8,000 in scholarships to college students at Sandhills Community College, UNC-Pembroke and to Moore County and Lee County high school students, who intend to enroll in a college curriculum of liberal arts and sciences. Also, recognition certificates and small monetary awards have been given to high school teachers who have been a positive influence on the students during their high school years. The graduating seniors in each of the six high schools select the teachers by ballot.

Local businesses have supported the scholarship fund by donating items for the silent auction. They include: Pinehurst Resort; Pine Needles and Mid Pines Inns and Golf Clubs; Aldena Frye Custom Floral; artist Jeanette Sheehan; The Bake House & Caf; Cameron & Co.; Darling House Pub and Grill; Elliott's on Linden; The Faded Rose, Pinehurst; Flooring America, Pinehurst; Givens Performing Arts Center, Pembroke; Potpourri Gifts; Wild Birds Unlimited; Portraits of the World (Mr. and Mrs. Richard Berkshire).

The Phi Beta Kappa Association is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization. The local association is one of 60 associations throughout the country that bring together members of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. As college undergraduates, society members are selected for membership because of their academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and their commitment to freedom of inquiry and expression.

The fundraiser is $25 per person. For reservations and information, call (910) 215-4574.