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2019 Lake County Wine Auction celebrates record distribution
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Wine Auction, the county's largest charity fundraiser, surged into uncharted territory this year, distributing a record $180,000 to local charities and organizations.
The funds were distributed on Dec. 10 at a festive holiday event held at the Buckingham Homes Association Clubhouse attended by this year’s beneficiaries, sponsors and members of the auction board and committees.
This year’s recipients include arts and FAA programs in the five county high schools, the Lake County Fire Districts, the food pantries serving Lakeport, Kelseyville, Lucerne and Middletown, the Middletown Arts Center, the Lake County Symphony Association, the Lower Lake Historical School House Museum, the Lake County Sheriff’s Activity League, Totes 4 Teens, Cub Scout Pack 7145, the Woodland Community College Culinary Program, Hospice of Lake County, the Lower Lake High School Culinary Program, Operation Tango Mike and the six Lake County senior centers.
This year’s distribution represents the total proceeds from the Lake County Wine Auction which was held on Sept. 21 at Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill.
The bidding got off to a strong start as $90,000 was committed during a kick off raise the paddle event.
As the main auction began, the spirit of generosity continued and carried on right though to the end, when John Clarke’s signature painting “Mermaid” brought in the highest bid of the evening. Dr. Megan Furniss paid $16,000 for the painting.
Reflecting on the results, Wine Auction president Kaj Ahlmann said: “This is a quantum leap for Lake County, it shows a strong commitment to move the County forward from all constituencies.”
“'I was overwhelmed by the generosity of those who attended the event,” said Beneficiary Chair Judy Luchsinger-Mann. “Everyone there recognized that the needs of our community are not going to be met without help from everyone.”
All of those who were involved in this year’s event are deeply grateful to Paul and Kellye Manuel, the owners of Chacewater, for being the event’s gracious hosts. It’s believed their centrally located facility contributed to attracting more than 350 people, who made this year’s Lake County Wine Auction such a success.
Organizers said they are proud to announce that Paul and Kellye Manuel have agreed to host next year’s event on September 19, 2020.
Another contributing factor to this year’s success was the support of sponsors. With Redwood Credit Union leading the way as “Presenting Sponsor,” sponsor support was able to cover all event costs so that money from our other streams can go directly to this year’s beneficiaries.
Other 2019 sponsors include Calpine at the Geysers, Bella Vista Farming, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Sysco Foods, Brassfield Estate Winery. Community First Credit Union, Six Sigma Vineyard & Winery, the Lake County Winegrape Commission, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Tribal Health, Chacewater Vineyard, Winery & Olive Mill, John Clarke Artist, Adventist Health, TricorBraun Winepak, Shannon Ridge Vineyards, Servpro, Umpqua Bank, Boatique Winery, Sawshop Gallery Bistro, Pabst Blue Ribbon Construction, Savings Bank of Mendocino, Congressman Mike Thompson and The Travel Centers.
Formed in 2000, the Lake County Wine Auction is operated under the guidance of a six-member volunteer board of directors.
The organization is also dedicated to promoting Lake County as a premier wine grape growing region and to promoting the region’s celebrated wines.
Members of the Wine Alliance Board are Kaj Ahlmann, Lower Lake, president; Judy Luchsinger, Lakeport, vice president; Sharron Zoller, Kelseyville, secretary; Rob Roumiguiere, Kelseyville, treasurer; and Marie Beery, Kelseyville, and Bill Groody, Kelseyville, directors.