Health, arts and community organizations shared almost equally in the distribution of funds, with the arts and community groups receiving $36,000 and health receiving $37,000 (see accompanying list for amounts donated from proceeds).

The Buckingham Junior Golf Program and received the remaining $6,700.

Proceeds from 2006 brought the overall amount the Auction had raised for Lake County charities and nonprofits over a seven-year period to more than a half-million dollars.

Marie Beery of Kelseyville chairs the auction, which is held each year at Buckingham Country Club. Local restaurants, wineries and other businesses have regularly contributed to the event over the years. Other Lake County businesses and individuals support the event through sponsorships.

This year's beneficiaries

Beneficiary organizations receiving proceeds from the 2006 Lake County Wine Auction include:

– Arts ($36,000): The fine arts education programs at the five high schools in Lake County each receive $7,200 to support their activities: Clear Lake High School, Kelseyville High School, Lower Lake High School, Middletown High School, and Upper Lake Union High School.

– Health ($37,000): Church Women United will receive $4,000 to provide shoes for school children identified by the Healthy Start Program. The balance of funds in this category will be shared by Hospice Services of Lake County ($11,000) to support its Bereavement Services program; the Community Care HIV/AIDS project ($11,000) for its case management activities and the Drop In Center; and the five senior centers with nutrition programs ($2,200 each) – Highlands Senior Service Center, Lakeport Senior Activity Center, Live Oak Senior Center, Lucerne Alpine Seniors and Middletown Senior Center.

– Community ($36,000): The Soper-Reese Community Theatre will use funds ($12,000) for the continuing renovation of the former Lakeport movie theater. The Free Kitchen Project ($12,000) will expand its services to more areas in Lake County. The Catholic Charities Food Pantry ($6,000) and St. Vincent De Paul ($6,000) will provide additional services to families in need in the south county.

– Junior Golf: The Buckingham Junior Golf Program ($6,700) was established in 1992 and expanded in 1994 to encompass the Lake County Junior Golf Council. The program sponsors junior tournaments and clinics for young players of all ages.

 

Preparations are already under way for the eighth annual Lake County Wine Auction, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, beginning at 5 p.m., at the Buckingham Golf & Country Club, Kelseyville.

Information about tickets and sponsorships can be obtained by calling the Wine Alliance at 279-9463 or 866-279-WINE.

E-mail John Lindblom at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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