Auction of Washington Wines raises $2 Million for Uncompensated Care at seattle children’s hospital and Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program
More than 3,500 attendees participated throughout 26th annual series of summer events
SEATTLE (August 19, 2013) – The 26th annual Auction of Washington Wines culminated August 15-17 in Woodinville, Wash. at Chateau Ste. Michelle, raising $2 million for uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program. Known as the region’s premier charity wine event, the weekend featured the Picnic & Barrel Auction, Winemaker Dinner Series, The Columbia Winery Charity 10K Race and 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash, as well as the Wine Gala.
“It is remarkable that for 26 years, we have continued to receive unwavering support from both our industry professionals and loyal patrons in not only celebrating our beautiful region, but in raising vital funds for uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital,” said Sherri Swingle, Auction of Washington Wines Executive Director. “We are also thrilled to extend proceeds to the Viticulture and Enology Program at Washington State University, as we celebrate and empower the future winemakers of our region.”
Thursday’s Picnic & Barrel Auction featured picnic games and delicious treats prepared by a team of chefs from Tulalip Resort Casino, and the exciting Barrel Auction which highlighted 18 wineries, some pouring releases created specifically for this event. Wine lovers attended one of 15 winemaker dinners on Friday evening at locations including various locations throughout Puget Sound including private homes, wineries, and other gracious hosts.
Attendees who purchased deluxe three-day ticket packages attended the exclusive 26th Anniversary Chairman’s Winemaker Dinner, located at a private, waterfront home in Woodway, Washington. Nationally acclaimed restaurateur and award winning chef Michael Mina presented a magnificent meal while the proprietors and winemakers of Betz Family Wines, Cayuse, Col Solare, Long Shadows and Leonetti Cellar poured selections from their labels.
Saturday morning began with the Columbia Winery Charity 10K Race and 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash and culminated with the Wine Gala on Saturday evening.
For the second consecutive year, co-chairs were Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery and Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line and chairman of Seabourn.
“This weekend was certainly a remarkable way to celebrate 26 fantastic years for the Auction of Washington Wines,” said Betz. “From the beautiful property of Chateau Ste. Michelle to dinner tables across the Puget Sound, Washington growers and wineries were celebrated in the greatest of ways, for the greatest of causes. We are simply thrilled with the generosity of our guests.”
“I am very proud to have been part of another outstanding year celebrating the Washington wine industry, and the invaluable work done by Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program,” said Kruse. “It has been a very humbling experience to witness the collaboration of so many to support our region and give back in our community.”
Highlights of the top auction items included:
- Safari to South Africa and wine country trip with Betz Family Winery– $58,000
- VIP experience at 2013 Apple Cup with legendary Drew Bledsoe and Jack Thompson– $22,000
- Seabourn seven day Mediterranean cruise – $24,000
- ABCs of LA – Wine, dine and dance with the stars!– $24,000
- Dinner at Chihuly Boathouse with Dale Chihuly and Allen Shoup – $26,000
- Fishing expedition with Stein Kruse, Greg Lill and Joe Bundrant – $38,000
- Ste. Michelle Wine Estates String of Pearls Lot – $32,000
For more information, please contact Torie Rynning at torier@greenrubino.com or 206-452-8167.
About the Auction of Washington Wines
Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $28 million, with a majority benefitting uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital. This distinguished event gives wine lovers the chance to help the Washington wine industry bridge a critical funding gap for children across the Northwest. The 2013 Auction of Washington Wines took place August 15-17, 2013. Co-chairs were Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery and Stein Kruse, president & CEO of Holland America Line and chairman of Seabourn. Major sponsors have included Chateau Ste. Michelle, Holland America Line, John L. Scott Foundation, King 5 TV, Seattle Magazine, Tulalip Resort Casino, Viking Range/Gateway Appliance Distributing, CKA Creative, and Wine Spectator. www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org.
About Seattle Children’s Hospital
Consistently ranked as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s serves as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical referral center for the largest landmass of any children’s hospital in the country (Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho). For more than 100 years, Children’s has been delivering superior patient care and advancing new treatments through pediatric research. Children’s serves as the primary teaching, clinical and research site for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The hospital works in partnership with Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation. Together they are Seattle Children’s, known for setting new standards in superior patient care for more than 100 years. www.seattlechildrens.org.
About Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program
The Washington State University Viticulture and Enology Program aims to strengthen the quality and reputation of the Washington wine industry. Proceeds from the Auction of Washington Wines fund research within the program.
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