Lake County >> Though the Wine Alliance cancelled the annual Wine Auction in the wake of the Valley Fire, they still managed to pull together $88,700 in funds for five high schools, 17 youth programs and nonprofit organizations. It’s a sum that’s roughly $7,000 less than their average over the past five years, but still a large figure considering the circumstances.
The party atmosphere didn’t feel appropriate given the tragedy of the Valley Fire. Though they canceled the Wine Auction, which was scheduled for September 19, no sponsors pulled their support. Local organizations that donated items for the auction didn’t take back their gifts. And most people who had purchased the $150 tickets didn’t ask for a refund.
The sponsors didn’t step back from the event because they knew the community needed the assistance. “I personally feel that we are committed to Lake County and we will be supporting it was much as we can,” said Pedro Rubio, vineyard manager for Beckstoffer Vineyards, one of the largest supporters of the Lake County Rising Fire Relief Fund.
Rubio has been with Beckstoffer for eight years, and the company has been sponsoring the Wine Auction since before his time. The cancellation of this year’s event didn’t have an affect on the winery, and it seems they’ll continue to sponsor the auction as the years go on. “What we really want to do is just give help in any possible way to the community,” Rubio said.
Cache Creek Vineyards echoed the sentiment. “We know what an amazing event this is for the community,” said Ari Lopez, the winery’s event and marketing coordinator.
The Wine Alliance was able to collect nearly $50,000 through sponsor support and ticket holders. Additional funds were raised by the Saw Shop Bistro in Kelseyville, which held a number of raffles involving Wine Auction items that were no longer going to be auctioned off.
The alliance realized that of the 17 charities and organizations allotted to receive funds, 10 had played a part in Valley Fire recovery efforts. The food banks donated to fire victims, Habitat for Humanity has been helping on the housing front, Worldwide Healing Hands has been donating medical expertise and other organizations gave clothing. “Money they would have spent doing other stuff they spent on fire relief,” said Bill Groody, Board Director for the Lake County Wine Alliance.
The Wine Alliance turned to Lake County Rising, and received $40,000 to help these organizations. It gave the Wine Auction total a much-needed bump. “With all the fundraising for fire relief, a lot of the charities around the county that are dealing with other things are feeling the pinch,” Groody said. “We felt a special responsibility to make sure these people were made whole.”
Even so, the beneficiaries didn’t receive quite as much as in past years. The Wine Alliance had to make a cut of approximately 10% for each organization.
Habitat for Humanity received $9,000 at a check distribution at Boatique Winery in Kelseyville last night. They’ll be using the funds for fire relief, with none going toward overhead costs for the organization. “Every penny of this money will go to a person having a house,” said President Richard Birk.
While Birk is very appreciative for the donation, it’s just the beginning of millions of dollars the organization is going to need over the years, to rebuild the lost homes. “This is a long-term effort,” he added.
Others are trying to make up for the smaller figures. Cache Creek put on their own event to bring in some more funds for Operation Tango Mike, People Services and Lake Family Resource Center. The winery recently invited the nonprofits to each decorate a tree for their tasting room. When people visit the winery, they can vote for their favorite tree, and monetary prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place. Lopez acknowledged that while it may just scratch the surface of how much these organizations normally receive, “every little bit we can do is helpful.”
The Wine Alliance gave Operation Tango Mike $3,500, which they’ve already spent on Christmas care packages for troops. With overhead costs of $2,500 a month, the organization has felt the effects of the fire in recent months. “A lot of funds got diverted to fire relief,” said Ginny Craven of Operation Tango Mike. “The small nonprofits felt that.”
While everyone understands why funds have dipped in the aftermath of the fire, the curve still created some struggles for local organizations. The Wine Auction funds mean Operation Tango Mike can continue their work. “It’s another month of shipping care packages that are desperately needed,” Craven said.
Like many organizations, the Wine Alliance also split their focus in recent months. They took efforts to ensure people impacted by the fire had what they needed, by acting as the governing agency for the Lake County Rising fund. “We shifted our emphasis to fire relief and disaster relief,” Groody said, adding that collecting and distributing donations of this nature isn’t something they’re experienced with.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
