Can it be true that we're almost halfway through the school system's summer? Indeed. Which means it's none too early to think about youngsters who need help getting a good start to the school year. That was the thought process behind Monday night's third annual "Back to School with SEARCH" benefit happy hour at The Tasting Room in Uptown Park.

BoyarMiller and the popular wine bar teamed together again to raise funds for school uniforms for homeless youngsters. They succeeded in bringing in $11,000 that will purchase uniforms for more than 100 school kids in the SEARCH Homeless Services system.

Additional sponsors making the evening possible were Brand Extract, Parker School Uniforms, CultureMap and On the Mark Communications.

While rain threatened, the crowd of more than 100 spilled over into the private room where the flow of wine, cheeses and charcuterie continued. Those who contributed $20 or more received vouchers for 20 percent off of The Tasting Room's tempting menu, meaning that more than a few contributors ordered the establishment's famous pizzas.

While socializing, supporters sipped on Perrier Jouet Grand Brut, Wire Ridge Cab, McDaniel's Chardonnay and Guardshack Red Blend among others.

Seen in the mix were Tasting Room owner Jerry Lasco, BoyarMiller chairman Chris Hanslik and wife Catherine, BoyarMiller founders Bill Boyar and Gary Miller, Cindy Shepherd, Lee Collins, Doug Parker, Lily Jang, Jay Vinekar, Chris Brown, Sandy Harris, Ronald Messner and SEARCH executive director Thao Costis.