2.5 Million Dollars Raised-A Record Breaking Year!
Thank you for joining us at the 28th annual Auction of Washington Wines weekend. Because of your generosity, a record breaking $2.5 million was raised to benefit Autism, Cancer Clinical Trials, and Uncompensated Care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington State University Viticulture & Enology Program!
We are grateful for your support and the partnership of so many businesses in our community who make this event happen.
“On behalf of the winemakers and wine grape growers in Washington state and our beneficiaries, thank you!!”
Highlights from our SIP. SAVOR. SWIRL Weekend!
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful summer day, perfect for Red Wine and Rosé at our Picnic & Barrel Auction. The Barrel Auction was one of our best yet,yet – featuring 18 Washington Wineries! The Chef’s of Tulalip Resort Casino dazzled guests once again with a creative menu and over the top presentation including ice cream on demand, salmon on a stick and succulent pig roast.
Although the thunderstorm weather kept us all on our toes, the Winemaker Dinner series, presented by Northern Trust, was simply stunning, with 7 dinners throughout the Puget Sound featuring wines from 19 Washington wineries and the talents of our local Chef community under candlelit tents (or rooms!).
The King 5 news crew including Greg Copeland and Amanda Grace led the pack at the annual Columbia Winery Run/Walk on Saturday Morning. Hundreds of early risers gathered outside of Columbia Winery at 7:30am for the annual 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Dash.
The Wine Gala was the grand finale, with lots raising as much as $40,000 and special guests such as Steven Hauschka, Honorary Vintner, DeLille Cellars, and Honorary Grower, Dick & Wendy Shaw. It was an evening of honors and over-the-top fundraising. Many thanks to our co-chairs, Marty & Megan Clubb and Frank & Charlene Blethen, for their leadership this past year. Special thanks to Blues Traveler’s John Popper & Ben Wilson for their phenomenal live performance at the end of the night!
Highlights of the top auction items include
- John Sarich Tribute Dinner- $20,500
- Barrel of Red Wine! – $16,000
- Magnificent Melchior of Delille Cellars – $13,000
- The Ultimate VIP Seahawks Experience-$26,000
- Chef’s Dinner for 10 with Avennia Winery in the Private Cellar at Staple & Fancy – $17,000
- Northern Spain Vineyard & Winery Tour with WSU x2! – $50,000
- Seabourn 7 Day Mediterranean Cruise for Two- $17,500
- African Safari and Cape Wineland Experience for Two Couples for 7 Nights Compliments of Betz Family Winery- $40,000
- A Lot to Remember- In Tribute to Eric Dunham- $22,000
- The Dinner Party of Legends- $19,000
- Walla Walla Founders Dinner – $12,000
A huge thank you to Rick Duval of Richard Duval Images & Team Photogenic. Images available to view online here.
Did you taste something you liked? More than 100 wineries in attendance represented some of the best of Washington wines – it’s easy to have found more than one favorite! Click here to visit the complete list of 2015 participating wineries.
2015 Employer Matching Gifts & Paying with Stock:
Does your employer offer a corporate match?
Please remember your donations to the Auction of Washington Wines when thinking about your employer matching gift programs. If your company does match, your gift can be doubled – a huge benefit for Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program.
How to Pay for your Auction Lots & Raise the Paddle with Stock!
If your cumulative purchase of auction lots and raise the paddle is more than $5,000 you can now pay with a stock transfer to Auction of Washington Wines. As credit cards are run 10 days after the Wine Gala for auction purcahses, you must notify the Auction of Washington Wines office by August 28, 2015 that you will be initiating a stock transfer and for how much of your purchase.
If you have questions or need to contact us to complete your company forms, please call our office at 206.326.5770 or email Melissa Pederson at mpederson@washingtonwine.org
Save the Date: Auction Weekend 2016
We hope to see you next year! August 18, 19, & 20th for another unforgettable Auction of Washington Wines weekend!
Beneficiaries
The Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $33.5 million since its inception in 1988! All proceeds benefit Seattle Children’s Hosptial in three major areas: Uncompensated care, Cancer clinical trial, and Autism. Funds also benefit Washington State Univeristy Viticulture & Enology Program.
For more informaiton on these two incredible organizations, please visit our beneficiaries page.
