Last year’s 39th annual Auction Napa Valley, a four-day celebration of wine and vintners, raised nearly $12 million dollars for 25 local nonprofits and featured entertainment from Katy Perry, food from Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke and the world’s only single-case auction of 100 or more lots.
But the event’s 40th year is not going to be the same kind of affair. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, last month Napa Valley Vintners announced it is canceling the event.
“We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support we have had for 40 years in creating the auction, from our vintners, bidders, volunteers, community, partners and businesses,” says Linda Reiff, president and CEO of the NVV. “The most important priority right now is for everyone to care for their families, employees and communities.”
Over the past 40 years, Napa Valley Vintners has donated $200 million to community health and children’s education and they aren’t planning on letting this year’s cancelation halt that ongoing effort. Last month’s announcement included a pledge to still make donations at least equal to last year’s, to help address community needs arising from the pandemic and shelter-in-place orders. The money comes from a reserve fund.
Bart and Daphne Araujo, founders of world-famous Araujo Estate Wines (sold in 2013) and Wheeler Farms, will remain as chairs of the 2021 Auction Napa Valley, which will take place June 3–6.
“It is an honor to be asked to remain as chairs for Auction Napa Valley 2021 and it will be a great pleasure to get back to work and welcome everyone to Napa next year,” the couple said.
How You Can Help
If you are looking for more ways to give back, here are some ideas.
- Napa Valley Community Foundation
The NVCF mobilizes resources, inspires giving, builds knowledge and provides leadership on vital community issues to improve the quality of life for Napa County residents. - Community Action of Napa Valley
Since 1965, Community Action of Napa Valley has helped to increase self-determination and self-sufficiency for low-income families, disadvantaged people, and senior citizens in the Napa community. - Auction Napa Valley Nonprofit Partners
Support any of these nonprofit partners in the categories of children’s education or community health. Partners include 10,000 Degrees, NapaLearns, Cope Family Center and UpValley Family Centers. - Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Women’s Board Wine Auction
Another leading charity wine auction, the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Women’s Board Wine Auction, is asking the community to support vintner sponsors, many of which are based in Northern California, of the 2018 and 2021 auction. Help by buying a bottle (or a case) of wine from one of the many supporter vineyards.
This article originally appear on better.net.
More from Marin:
-
Bay Area Film Critic Jan Wahl Shares What She’s Watching While Sheltering in Place
-
Stay Home and Shop Local: Items We’re Ordering Right Now from Marin Stores
- Birdwatching in Marin: Get to Know Your Backyard Visitors
