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Wine Alliance distributes $88,700 to Lake County programs
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Even though 2015 Lake County Wine Auction had to be canceled because of the Valley fire, the events producers were still able to raise $88,700 for charities and other local organizations who serve a wide range of needs across the community.
This distribution was made possible by generous auction sponsors and ticket holders who kept their money with the event despite its cancellation.
The Lake County Rising Fire Relief Fund also made a $40,000 donation in support of beneficiaries who served on the front lines of fire relief. These organizations provided food, housing, medical care, clothing, household supplies and other services to those who were suffering.
Five high schools, five youth-oriented programs and 17 other nonprofit organizations will share in the proceeds, which were distributed on the evening of Dec. 9 during a festive reception for beneficiaries and sponsors at Boatique Winery on Red Hills Road in Kelseyville.
Once again, education was the emphasis. “Our commitment to this critical area will ensure that Lake County grows as a strong and healthy community for the next generation,” said Kaj Ahlmann, president of the Lake County Wine Alliance.
The Wine Alliance is a nonprofit organization of wineries, wine grape growers, vineyard owners, related businesses and community supporters, and the sponsor of the Wine Auction.
Since its founding in 2000, the Wine Alliance has raised $1,266,502 to foster the arts, benefit health services and otherwise support the Lake County community.
Applications are now being accepted for proceeds from the 2016 auction, to be held on Sept. 20. Copies are available at the auctions Web site at www.WineAlliance.Org .
The 2016 Auction, will take place at Cache Creek Vineyards and Tasting Room on Highway 20 near New Long Valley Road, with owners Don and Margie Van Pelt serving as honorary co-chairs.
This year's distribution would not have been possible without the support of valued sponsors: Calpine, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, St. Helena Hospital, Sysco Foods, artist John Clarke, Mendo Lake Credit Union, Umpqua Bank, Cache Creek Vineyard and Winery, Boatique Winery, Kelseyville Pharmacy, Brassfield Estate Winery, Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Winery, C-Line Express Trucking, Savings Bank of Mendocino and Pacific Gas and Electric.
The Lake County Wine Alliance Board of Directors extended a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year's success possible. “Your support is deeply appreciated, not only by us but by our beneficiaries as well,” the organization said.
The proceeds for 2015 were distributed as follows.
The Arts ($30,000)
– $6,000, Lower Lake High School
– $6,000, Kelseyville High School
– $6,000, Upper Lake High School
– $6,000, Clearlake High School
– $6,000, Middletown High School
Health and Community ($58,700)
– $8,000, Friends of the Lake County Library
– $3,000, Sponsoring Survivorship
– $5,000, Lake County Historical Society
– $2,000, Yuba College Culinary Club
– $5,000, Lake County Symphony Association
– $4,000, Lake Community United Methodist Church Food Closet
– $2,000, Lower Lake High School Culinary Program
– $2,000, Kelseyville Food Pantry
– $1,200, Children's Museum of Arts and Science
– $3,500, Operation Tango Mike
– $9,000,Worldwide Healing Hands for local clinics
– $9,000, Habitat for Humanity
– $1,000, Highlands Senior Service Center
– $1,000, Lakeport Senior Center
– $1,000, Live Oak Senior Center
– $1,000, Lucerne Alpine Seniors
– $1,000, Middletown Senior Center