SEATTLE – The 23rd annual Auction of Washington Wines, culminating August 19-21 in Woodinville, WA, at Chateau Ste. Michelle, raised $1.4 million for uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington Wine Education Foundation.
“We are very pleased with this year’s results. Our donors and patrons are committed to supporting Seattle Children’s and continue to demonstrate their loyalty through our events.” said Auction of Washington Wines Executive Director Carol Munro.
Thursday’s Barrel Auction and Picnic with the Winemakers raised more than $60,000 through Picnic games, a silent auction, and the exciting Barrel Auction. Nearly 500 wine lovers attended 13 winemaker dinners on Friday evening around the greater Seattle area, raising $40,000 for the Auction’s charities. In its second year, Revelry on Red Mountain, at Col Solare winery near Benton City raised an impressive $16,000. The Auction of Washington Wines was also honored to be the beneficiary to Vintage Walla Walla, which donated $5,000 to the Auction. And the Covey Run 5K and 10K Run/Walk raised $135,000 – $20,000 over last year’s earnings.
Rick Small, this year’s Auction co-chair and owner of Woodward Canyon Winery commented, “Darcey and I were honored this year to serve as co-chairs for the Auction and witness the incredible generosity of Washington winemakers, growers, and the wine-loving community in helping to raise these much needed funds for Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington Wine Education Foundation.”
About the Auction of Washington Wines
Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $24 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 2010 Auction co-chairs are Brad and Michele Smith of Smith and Green Company and Seattle Children’s Guild Association & Foundation Board Trustee and Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small, owners of Woodward Canyon Winery.
Washington Tasting Room magazine is a proud Media Partner of the 2010 Auction of Washington Wines. 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 the Washington Wine Education Foundation
The Washington Wine Education Foundation aims to strengthen the quality and reputation of the Washington Wine industry by providing support toward a world-class enology and viticulture research, education and training program specific to Washington State. A portion of funds raised during the Auction of Washington Wines goes toward scientific research in vineyards and fermentation, Washington-based educational programs that promote undergraduate and graduate degrees, and to farm worker and industry employee programs that promote health and safety. This educational group began collaborating in 2001 to create quality educational programs in winemaking and grape growing.
MEDIA CONTACT: Carol Munro, (206) 326-5747, cmunro@washingtonwine.org