LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Five high schools, five youth-oriented programs and 13 other nonprofit organizations will share the $96,500 raised this year from September's Lake County Wine Auction.
The funds were distributed the evening of Dec. during a festive reception for beneficiaries and sponsors at the Lakeport Family Fun Center.
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, winegrape growers, vineyard owners, related businesses and community supporters and sponsor of the Wine Auction.
Since its founding in 2000, the Wine Alliance has raised $1,177,802 to foster the arts, benefit health services and otherwise support the Lake County community.
Applications are now being accepted for proceeds from the next year's auction, to be held on Sept. 20, 2015, with copies available at the auction's Web site, www.WineAlliance.Org .
The 2014 Auction, the 15th annual, took place at the Cole Creek Equestrian Center in Kelseyville, a special venue which contributed not only to successful fundraising but also to the promotion of Lake County as not only a premier wine region but also a community of diverse agriculture.
The honorary chairs for the 2014's Wine Auction were John and Joanne Van Eck, the owners of Cole Creek Equestrian Center. They were assisted by committee co-chairs Judy Luchsinger of Lakeport and Sharron Zoller of Kelseyville.
The success of this year's event would not have been possible without the support of valued sponsors including Beckstoffer Vineyards, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, Brassfield Estate Winery, Mendo-Lake Credit Union, CalPine, Kathy Fowler Chevrolet, Umpqua Bank, Kelseyville Pharmacy, Bella Vista Farming, Southern Smiles Dental Practice, St. Helena Hospital, Shannon Ridge Winery, Trinchero Family Estates, Savings Bank of Mendocino, C-Line Trucking and The Lake County Winegrape Commission.
The Lake County Wine Alliance Board of Directors offered heartfelt thanks 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 group said in a statement.
The proceeds for 2014 were distributed as follows.
The Arts ($32,000)
– Lower Lake High School, $6,400;
– Kelseyville High School, $6,400;
– Upper Lake High School, $6,400;
– Clearlake High School, $6,400;
– Middletown High School, $6,400;
Health and Community ($64,500)
– United Christian Parish Food Pantry, $4,400;
– Sponsoring Survivorship, $2,200;
– Hospice Services of Lake County, $4,400;
– Yuba College Culinary Club, $2,200;
– Clear Lake Performing Arts, $2,800;
– Lower Lake High School Culinary Arts Program, $2,200;
– Lake County Church Women United Shoes and Socks Program, $2,200;
– Lake County Student Mock Trial Team, $600;
– Lake County PRIDE Foundation, $5,500;
– Lake County Channel Cats, $2,200;
– Schoolhouse Museum Student Outreach Program, $1,700;
– Lake County Literacy Coalition, $2,200;
– Operation Tango Mike, $4,000;
– Catholic Charities of Lake County, $9,300;
– Lake County Senior Center Meals on Wheels, $9,300;
– Habitat for Humanity, $9,300.