The bidding was fast, the wines flowing and the fun endless–well, until common sense and noise ordinances sent more than 300 guests and volunteers home from Saturday”s Lake County Wine Auction.
The annual event, hosted by the Cole Creek Equestrian Center in Kelseyville, raised more than $62,000 from the live and silent auction alone. The Wine Alliance is still tabulating monies from ticket sales, sponsorships and the raffle. Early indications are that the total may surpass last year”s $90,000 mark. If so it would be the seventh time the event raised more than $90,000 in its 15 year history.
With auctioneers Shaun Hornby and Matt Hughes working the room, bidding proved energetic, particularly when the number for John Clarke”s painting of a red-headed woman riding on horseback through a vineyard was called. The gavel fell at $6,000 after some spirited bidding for the 2014 piece.
Seven items topped the $2,000 line.
The Lake County Wine Auction benefits local charities, community organizations and educational programs.
“To build a strong community, we need to help the next generation respect Lake County”s agricultural tradition and improve their educational skill,” said Lake County Wine Alliance president Kaj Ahlmann in a press statement. “With our grants, the Wine Alliance is working towards those goals.”
Beneficiaries this year include the fine arts programs at all five Lake County comprehensive high schools, the Lake County Literacy Coalition, Operation Tango Mike, the Catholic Charities” Food and Benefits Outreach Project, meals on wheels and 11 other organizations.
More than 450 volunteers, sponsors and participants make the annual event possible. John and Joanne Van Eck served as honorary co-chairs this year, with John contributing a hand-made chandelier to the auction.
The evening began with a grand tasting, followed by dinner and the evening”s centerpiece, the sometimes boisterous auction.
Students from the Yuba College Clearlake culinary program and the Lower Lake High School culinary program prepared the appetizer and dessert, respectively, while chef Matt Young from Running Creek Casino handled the main course for a room that included U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson.
The Funky Dozen performed after the auction closed.
