Coastal Conversations
Michael Bray, owner of Passion Vines and Queen Jayne’s, is the founder of The Right Notes, a wine tasting fundraiser that supports the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
AS: The Right Notes was founded in honor of your mother, Jayne. How did her experience living with MS inspire you to create this fundraiser?
MB: My mother, Jayne, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990, when I was 11 years old. I watched her face the uncertainty and unpredictability of the disease, and I saw how it slowly changed her life, and mine. What stayed with me most was the ache of watching someone you love struggle and feeling powerless to help. That sense of helplessness became a driving force: I didn’t want to stand by and do nothing. The fundraisers we’ve held are my way of turning that pain into action, transforming it into support, awareness, and tangible help for others living with MS. The Right Notes grew out of a need to honor my mother’s strength by giving back in a way that could make a real, practical difference in people’s lives.
AS: How did the first Right Notes event come together, and how has it evolved since then?
MB: The first Right Notes event came together from a shared love of wine and jazz, and a powerful, personal connection. Nick Regine, president of the South Jersey Jazz Society and a good friend and customer at Passion Vines, told me he had been diagnosed with MS while shopping in our store. That moment sparked a collaboration: we sketched out a plan to fuse our passions for wine and live music with a meaningful purpose, support for people living with MS. Since then, we’ve continued to refine the format, add value, and increase impact while keeping costs low and the experience memorable. We’re grateful for a supportive community that helps us keep the mission front and center.
AS: How does working with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society shape your goals and planning process?
MB: Working with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is foundational for our planning and goals. It gives us a clear sense of where the funds go, who leads the programs, and how they help people, from those newly diagnosed to long-time sufferers.
AS: What has been the most meaningful moment or event for you personally since launching The Right Notes? What are some major milestones?
MB: There have been many meaningful moments in our 11 years of producing The Right Notes. A particularly poignant milestone was the 2021 event, which was the last one my mother attended before her passing in June of 2022. Sharing that moment with her made the mission feel deeply personal and real. Beyond personal moments, reaching the milestone of raising $1 million stands out. It’s a testament to the dedication of our committee, the generosity of our supporters, and the strength of our community, all united by a shared commitment to MS impact.
AS: How has the community responded to the wine tasting fundraiser over the years?
MB: The community has been everything to The Right Notes. It’s not just about the financial side, though that matters, it’s about people coming together in person to share a meaningful experience. Without the community’s participation, enthusiasm, and generosity, there would be no Right Notes. Their support sustains the event, fuels our mission, and reminds us daily why we do it: to bring people together, celebrate resilience, and make a real impact in the lives of those living with MS.
AS: What have you learned about MS and the needs of those affected since becoming involved with the Society?
MB: I’ve learned that no two MS diagnoses are the same. The disease is incredibly uncertain and often scary, and people live with that daily. Those affected need more than treatment; they need someone to talk to, guidance, and a community that understands what they’re going through. MS reminds us that empathy, connection, and practical support are as vital as medical care.
AS: How can readers get involved with or support The Right Notes moving forward?
MB: The easiest is to reach out directly to me at Michael@PassionVines.com. We welcome volunteers, donations, and sponsorships, as well as partnerships with local businesses who want to amplify the impact.
AS: Looking ahead, what do you hope The Right Notes will continue to accomplish in honor of your mother’s legacy?
MB: She would love to know that the work we’re doing is making a difference in the lives of those living with MS.
Many thanks to Michael Bray for sharing his story and the heart behind The Right Notes. What began as a deeply personal tribute has become a powerful community-driven effort to generate funding to provide assistance for people living with MS.
Coastal Conversations highlights people in our community who are making a meaningful impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com. From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.
