27th Auction of Washington Wines: Success!

by Shona Milne on August 19, 2014

Auction of Washington Wines raises $1.8 Million for Uncompensated Care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program

More than 2,500 attendees participated throughout 27th annual series of summer events

The 27th annual Auction of Washington Wines culminated August 14-16 in Woodinville, Wash. at Chateau Ste. Michelle, raising $1.8 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.

“This annual weekend has brought together members of our Washington wine industry, professionals and patrons for the last 27 years. What is humbling is that even after nearly three decades, the dedication and support only continues to grow,” said Aimee Sheridan, Auction of Washington Wines Executive Director. “We are thrilled that through all this celebration, funds raised benefit the uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital, as well as future winemakers of our region through Washington State University.”

Thursday’s Picnic & Barrel Auction featured picnic games and gourmet fare prepared by a team of chefs from Tulalip Resort Casino, and the exciting Barrel Auction set new fundraising records with $93,000, an increase of $21,000 from 2013. The Barrel Auction highlighted more than 23 wineries, some pouring releases created specifically for this event.

Wine lovers attended one of 10 winemaker dinners on Friday evening at locations including various locations throughout Puget Sound including private homes, wineries, and other gracious hosts.

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. The Auction of Washington Wines’ co-chairs are Frank and Charlene Blethen of The Seattle Times and Marty and Megan Clubb of L’Ecole N° 41 winery.

One of the top auction items was the coveted Chairman’s Package, put together and donated by Marty and Megan Clubb of L’Ecole No 41 and Frank and Charlene Blethen of the Seattle Times, sold for $31,500. The package included the following:

·         Exclusive photo opp with the Lombardi Trophy, which was on the display at the Gala

·         Intimate dinner at Wild Ginger Asian Restaurant & Satay Bar with Chef Jacky Lo on December 13, 2014.

·         Four club seat tickets to the Seahawks and the 49’ers on December 14, 2014

·         Field passes for pregame and meet and greet with players

·         Etched 3L of 2011 L’Ecole Ferguson, winner of Best Bordeaux Blend from Decanter Magazine

While Auction of Washington Wines weekend has commenced, the fundraising is far from over.  There is still one Auction Lot available, a buy-in for 30 couples to Walla Walla, which includes exclusive wine country experiences and dinners in the vineyards and wineries, available on the website today. People can purchase one or more at $2,500 per couple.

Looking ahead, there will be a small online auction for the holiday season, with an anticipation of $2 million raised before the end of the fiscal year.  For more information, visit www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org.

For more information, please contact Chelsea Asplund at Chelseaa@GreenRubino.com or (206) 452-8172.

About the Auction of Washington Wines

Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $30 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 2014 Auction of Washington Wines will take place August 14-16, 2014. Co-chairs are Frank and Charlene Blethen of The Seattle Times and Marty and Megan Clubb of L’Ecole No 41 winery. Major sponsors have included Chateau Ste. Michelle, Holland America Line, John L. Scott Foundation, King 5 TV, Seattle Magazine, Tulalip Resort Casino, Viking Range, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card, 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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