LAKE COUNTY — The 13th annual Lake County Wine Auction will take place on Sept. 15 at Brassfield Estate Winery in High Valley.
This major fundraising event benefits nonprofit arts, health services and community organizations in Lake County.
The sponsoring Lake County Wine Alliance has contributed $896,765 in proceeds to Lake County groups since its inception in 2000.
Jerry Brassfield, proprietor of Brassfield Estate Winery, will be the honorary chair for the 2012 Wine Auction. He will be assisted by an all-volunteer committee, co-chaired by Judy Luchsinger of Lakeport and Sharron Zoller of Kelseyville.
The black tie-encouraged affair will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 11 p.m. The LC Diamonds will provide music for dancing. Tickets cost $150 per person and may be reserved at www.wine alliance.org or by calling 866-279-WINE. Sponsorship information is available from Marie Beery at 278-0129.
The live auction will be generated by auctioneers Shaun Hornby of Lakeport and Stephanie Green of Kelseyville.
Lake County wineries, caterers and restaurants featured a wide variety of wines and foods at the 12th annual benefit and more are expected to participate in 2012.
Nonprofit organizations, including agencies, programs, senior centers and high schools, received $65,000 from the 2011 proceeds, which is derived from ticket sales, donations from sponsorships, live and silent auction income, purchases of reserve wines at the event and sales of special edition, commemorative fine art posters by Lake County artist John R. Clarke.
Clarke, a former anesthesiologist, has been painting on silk since 1994. Each year he has created an original piece of art for use as a poster by the Wine Alliance.
The original painting will be on view at the Saw Shop Bistro in Kelseyville. On Sept. 15 it will be among the special items up for bid during the live auction of the gala charity event.
This year”s poster may be purchased for $20 with proceeds going to the beneficiary organizations and programs associated with The Lake County Wine Alliance.
Local wineries, winegrape growers, restaurants, and other businesses and individuals are generous supporters through their donations to the live and silent auctions and to the food and beverages served at the affair.
Lake County and regional businesses provide support through sponsorships.
