Wine Alliance distributes annual Wine Auction proceeds to local charities
- Elizabeth Larson
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — The Lake County Wine Alliance celebrated the holiday season with a series of big gifts — in the form of checks — to dozens of local nonprofits and schools.
At a Monday evening event held at Bell Haven Resort, Flower Farm and Event Pavilion in Kelseyville, the Wine Alliance held the annual distribution of the proceeds of its signature Wine Auction, held in September.
This year’s Wine Auction brought in record proceeds that provided the funds that will benefit nearly 30 local nonprofit organizations and all five county high schools.
Over its 21-year history, the Wine Auction has encountered tough years — such as during the Great Recession — and cancellations, including in 2015 during the Valley fire.
More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the event. However, Rob Roumiguiere, the Wine Alliance treasurer and the master of ceremonies, said that the event has come back strong.
“It’s been a long haul,” he said, adding, “The community has been so generous.”
To date, the Wine Alliance has given out about $2.3 million, Rob Roumiguiere said.
“Last year, we set a record,” distributing $250,000, which Roumiguiere said was “mind blowing.”
However, this year’s Wine Auction surpassed even that, making the disbursement on Monday night the biggest yet — with $300,000 in checks handed out, which Roumiguiere was excited to report.
That’s a long way from its inaugural year in 2000, when Roumiguiere said proceeds totaled $31,000.
This year, beneficiaries included the Adventist shower project, Worldwide Healing Hands, the county’s senior centers, United Christian Parish, Catholic Charities, First Lutheran Church, Lake County’s five high schools and all four county National FFA Organization programs, Lake County Symphony Association, Lake County Rural Arts Initiative, Konocti Christian Academy, Mountain Vista Middle School, Lake County Channel Cats, Lake County Sheriff’s Activity League, Sheriffs and You Foundation, Woodland Community College, the culinary programs at Lower Lake and Clear Lake high schools, Operation Tango Mike, Totes for Teens, Lake County Young Life, South Lake Alliance Children’s Museum, Give Back Track, Lake County Literacy Foundation, Friends of the Lake County Library, the Lake County Fair Foundation, Lake Family Resource Center, Ely Stage Stop, Hospice Services of Lake County and People Services.
Roumiguiere credited numerous sponsors and volunteers for making the event happen.
He gave special acknowledgement to Clay and Angie Shannon, who hosted the Wine Auction at The Mercantile in Kelseyville in September, along with Congressman Mike Thompson, a longtime supporter; artist John R. Clarke, whose watercolor paintings of Lake County scenery have been featured as the annual Wine Auction poster, with the originals fetching thousands each when auctioned off at the event; Sheriff Brian Martin and businesswoman Jennifer Strong, who were this year’s auctioneers; Beth and Jeff Havrilla of Lake Event Design, who have always managed to set up great events at a variety of venues, from horse barns to wineries; Tom Aiken and Rico Abordo, who help organize volunteers; and the many restaurants and wineries who provide food and wine.
Since 2000, the Wine Auction has been made possible by a host of sponsors, including Adventist Health, Reynolds Systems, Lake County Tribal Health, Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, Congressman Thompson, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Bella Vista Farming, Shannon Family of Wines, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Sysco Foods, Sutter Health, TricorBraun WinePak, Cork Supply USA, Community First Credit Union, BitSculptor, Lake Co. Winery Association and Shields Construction.
“We collect it all and then we give it all away,” and the disbursement event is the highlight, Roumiguiere said.
Roumiguiere said work is already underway on the 2023 Wine Auction, which takes place Sept. 16.
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