Photo credit: Tim Carl Photo
6/3/2023 - Saint Helena, CA - Collective Napa Valley members met for a weekend in Napa Valley to celebrate coming together again and doing good. The weekend was wine country elegant, yet down home in style. For guests and vintners alike, the good times, great wine and exceptional hospitality were as important as the cause.
Long-time and new supporters came together to show the power of the Collective Napa Valley community. Contributions ranged from modest to grand with a shared goal in mind – providing Napa Valley’s youth with much needed access to mental health services. Giving at all levels from $100 on up totaled $3.8 million raised for youth mental health in Napa Valley.
There was a consensus among the attendees that this is indeed a new era for Napa Valley fundraising.
“It’s clear that something wonderful is happening with Collective Napa Valley, and you could feel it throughout the weekend. Our vision is to welcome a wider audience and that’s exactly what is happening. We greatly appreciate the global network of wine enthusiasts who participated. It’s really meaningful to see people from around the world donate to our cause because of their deep connection with this wonderful place,” said Andy Erickson, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Napa Valley Vintners and owner of Favia.
Of the bidders this year, 65% were new to Collective Napa Valley. In addition to bidding in the auctions, contributions to the fund-a-need campaign speak to the importance of the cause totaling $1 million so far. Fund-a-need will stay open through the end of the month for contributions of any amount.
On Friday, June 1 the largest gathering of the week took place at Louis M. Martini Winery with 1,300 people coming out for the Napa Valley Barrel Auction. Under a blue sky day, guests had the opportunity to meet winemakers and chefs while tasting wines straight from the barrel.
Friday evening, intimate dinners around the valley provided the opportunity for deeper connections. Saturday morning was all about winery experiences and there were many. Guests were treated to vineyard walks, blending sessions, sustainability demonstrations and more.
On Saturday evening, the Live Auction took place at Silver Oak. The vibe was wine country at its best - a mix of blue jeans, boots, sandals and sun dresses. Everyone was in a celebratory mood and ready for an evening of doing good and having fun.
Old friends and new sat intermingled at one long community table for dinner. During the Live Auction, powerhouse auctioneer, Jacqueline Towers-Perkins from Sotheby's commanded the audience with charisma and charm. The limited crowd of 200 guests raised their paddles generously alongside those bidding online. Her gentle ribbing and entertaining style helped to draw out the best for each auction lot on offer.
“Sotheby’s is honored to power this year’s Collective Napa Valley Barrel Auction and Live Auction. We are thrilled to see strong results and clients participating from around the world to benefit the youth of Napa Valley," said Richard Young, Vice President, Head of Auction Sales, Americas, Fine and Rare Wines for Sotheby’s.
This year's vintner co-chairs were Jaime Araujo - Trois Noix, Jack Bittner - Ecotone Vineyard, David Duncan - Silver Oak, Beth Novak - Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery and Doug Shafer - Shafer Vineyards.
“We were so happy to welcome our guests and to come together again. We’re absolutely thrilled with the results and are incredibly humbled by the showing of support from our vintners, our long-time bidders, and from those new. Through fundraising this weekend, immediate and direct impacts will take place in the lives of youth of all ages throughout Napa Valley. We are so thankful for all those who contributed to this incredible weekend,” said Novak.
NVV’s goal is to help significantly expand mental health services to Napa County youth. Recipients will include SHINE Napa Valley among other nonprofits that provide mental health support. Since 1981, NVV has donated more than $225 million to the community, focusing on health care and youth development.
About Collective Napa Valley
Collective Napa Valley is a year-round philanthropy program that brings people together to enjoy Napa Valley wines while raising funds for the good of its community. Throughout the year, members will engage with vintners and explore the region through a variety of programs and events online and in person. For more information, visit collectivenapavalley.org.
About Napa Valley Vintners
The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. Since 1981, the NVV has invested more than $225 million in its community to provide equitable access to healthcare and opportunity for youth advancement. NVV is dedicated to improving diversity and championing inclusivity in its community and in the wine industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.
Contact: Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Communications - 707-968-4210, twall@napavintners.com
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