29th Annual Livermore Valley Wine Auction Raises over $381,000 for Local Children’s Non-Profits
This year’s donations will benefit the Fostering Wishes, Kids Bike Lane, Open Heart Kitchen and Quest for Science
The 29th annual Livermore Valley Wine Auction brought together approximately 250 guests on October 7, 2023 for an afternoon of wine tasting and fundraising. The event raised over $381,000 to benefit a variety of local nonprofits that support the wellbeing of underserved children and youth in the area.
Since 1995, the Livermore Valley Wine Auction has raised over $5 million to support underserved local children. This year, the fund-a-need benefiting Fostering Wishes, which provides new duffle bags filled with toiletries, water bottles, school supplies, and other age-appropriate items for each foster child they serve, raised $82,450. With this support, Fostering Wishes will be able to expand their holiday gift drive and duffle bag programs.
This year’s auction also benefited the following deserving organizations:
- Kids Bike Lane, which provides bikes for under-served youth in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, with the goal of empowering them to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Open Heart Kitchen, which provides low-income children and families with access to healthy foods through its grocery distribution program.
- Quest for Science, which creates new programs for local children, including mobile exhibits, after school programs, family science night and summer enrichment programs.
“On behalf of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation, we are so grateful for the generosity of the auction attendees and sponsors along with the Livermore Valley wine community,” said Brandi Lombardi, Executive Director of the Livermore Valley Wine Community and Auction Director. “The funds raised will greatly impact the lives of so many children and families in our community. We’re proud to be able to support these well-deserving organizations.”
Nineteen Livermore Valley winemakers were on hand to pour their best wines while guests perused displays that showcased the exciting live auction lot line-up. The live auction delivered on excitement, raising $121,000 with 15 lots plus three large format bottles of Champagne generously donated by
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. One of the top live auction lots of the afternoon was a Wente, Wishes and Wine a day in the life of Phil & Julie Wente. A Concert at Almost Famous Wine Lounge for 200+ guests with the musical talents of Front Porch & Friends donated by David & Darcie Kent. Another top lot was called “Out of this World Dinner”, which includes a private dinner at Chabot Science Center Auction Supporters also bid on 53 exclusive silent auction lots in a complementary virtual auction.
The event is presented by First Tech Federal Credit Union with Jeff and Doris Hank. Additional top sponsors included Black Tie Transportation, The Rose Hotel, Gallo Glass, Lam Research, Sensiba San Filippo, Safeway, and Dublin Chevrolet.
The mission of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation is to improve the quality of life for underserved local children by raising funds for organizations that meet basic needs and provide access to education and enrichment. For more information, please visit www.lvwf.org or contact Brandi Lombardi, Auction Director, at (925) 380-3380.
About the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation
The mission of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is to improve the quality of life for underserved local children by raising funds for organizations that meet basic needs and provide access to education and enrichment. The Board of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation works all year to plan the Livermore Valley Wine Auction. Since 1995, the Auction has raised over $5 million for worthwhile local organizations.
