LAKE COUNTY— The Lake County Wine Auction, the county’s largest charity fundraiser, surged into uncharted territory this year, distributing a record $180,000 to local charities and organizations.
The funds were distributed on December 10 at a “festive holiday event” held at the Buckingham Homes Association Clubhouse attended by beneficiaries, sponsors and members of the auction board and committees, according to the event’s organizers.
This year’s recipients include arts and FAA programs in the five county high schools, the Lake County Fire Districts, the food pantries serving Lakeport, Kelseyville, Lucerne and Middletown, the Middletown Arts Center, the Lake County Symphony Association, the Lower Lake Historical School House Museum, the Lake County Sheriffs league, Totes 4 Teens, Cub Scout Pack 7145, the Woodland Community College Culinary Program, Hospice of Lake County, the Lower Lake High School Culinary Program, Operation Tango Mike, and the six lake county senior centers.
This year’s distribution represents the total proceeds from the lake county wine auction which was held on September 21 at Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill.
The bidding got off to a strong start as $90,000 was committed during a kick-off raise the paddle event.
As the main auction began, organizers observed that the spirit of generosity continued and carried on right through to the end, when John Clarke’s signature painting “Mermaid” brought in the highest bid of the evening. Megan Furniss paid $16,000 for the painting.
Reflecting on the results, Wine Auction president Kaj Ahlmann said: “This is a quantum leap for Lake County, it shows a strong commitment to move the County forward from all constituencies .”
“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of those who attended the event,” said Beneficiary Chair Judy Luchsinger-Mann. “Everyone there recognized that the needs of our community are not going to be met without help from everyone,” adding that all of those who were involved in this year’s event are deeply grateful to Paul and Kellye Manuel, the owners of Chacewater, for hosting.
“No doubt their centrally located facility contributed to our attracting the more than 350 people, who made this year’s Lake County Wine Auction such a success,” said the event’s organizers, adding they were proud to announce that Paul and Kellye have agreed to host next year’s event on Sept. 19, 2020.
According to the wine auction organizers, another contributing factor to this year’s success was the support of the event sponsors. With Redwood Credit Union leading the way as their “Presenting Sponsor,” sponsor support was able to cover all event costs so that money from other streams could go directly to this year’s beneficiaries.
Some of the 2019 event sponsors included Calpine at the Geysers, Bella Vista Farming, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Sysco Foods, and Brassfield Estate Winery among a myriad of others.
Formed in 2000, the Lake County Wine Auction is operated under the guidance of a six member volunteer board of directors. The organization is also dedicated to promoting Lake County as a premier wine grape growing region and to promoting the region’s celebrated wines. Members of the Wine Alliance board are Kaj Ahlmann, Lower Lake, president; Judy Luchsinger, Lakeport, vice president; Sharron Zoller, Kelseyville, secretary; Rob Roumiguiere, Kelseyville, treasurer; and Marie Beery, Kelseyville, and Bill Groody, Kelseyville, directors.
