Categories: EventsFeatures

Classic Wines Auction Raises More than $2.42 Million for Local Charities

2012 Classic Wines Auction Co-Chairs, Kim Agnew of the Agnew Family Foundation, Craig Wessel, Publisher of the Portland Business Journal, and Cindy Campbell of the Campbell Foundation.

Portland, March 3rd. More than 700 wine enthusiasts gathered at the Oregon Convention Center to raise funds for disadvantaged children and families in the Portland Metropolitan area. 2012 Classic Wines Auction Co-Chairs were Kim Agnew of the Agnew Family Foundation, Craig Wessel, Publisher of the Portland Business Journal, and Cindy Campbell of the Campbell Foundation. (Photo Credit, John Valls) The $2.42 million raised benefits four local charities: Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children-Portland and YMCA Clark County.

Auction guests enjoyed wines produced by four Honorary Wine Ambassadors: Greg Lill of DeLille Cellars (WA), Ed Sbragia of Sbragia Family Vineyards (CA), Danilo Drocco of Fontanafredda (Italy), and Isabelle Meunier of Evening Land Vineyards (OR), who is not pictured.

The total amount raised comes from many sources including event sponsorships (such as presenting sponsors Bank of America and US Trust), auction prizes, wine packages, astonishing attendee contributions and 45 Winemaker Dinners at local restaurants.

Roger Hinshaw, President, Oregon and SW Washington at Bank of America and Barbara Palmer, Senior Vice President of US Trust, address the crowd, while Craig Wessel, Publisher of the Portland Business Journal and Classic Wines Auction Co-Chair looks on.

“We are tremendously pleased with the outcome of the 2012 Classic Wines Auction,” said Heather Martin, Executive Director of the Classic Wines Auction. “The generosity of our attendees, donors and volunteers enables us to assist over 42,000 children and families in our community in truly meaningful and impactful ways.”

Ambassador Dinner Chairs Kim Bradley and Chris Nickerson flank Jessica Elkan, Development Director at New Avenues for Youth.

Generous bidders raise millions

The gala began with the silent auction during a pre-dinner wine and food tasting reception featuring more than 50 wines and six food stations. The main event was kicked off with a serenade by Master of Ceremonies James Curleigh of KEEN Footwear, followed by the live auction and five-course culinary feast prepared by top guest chefs and paired with wines from both national and international wine ambassadors. Guests finished their night with coffee and dessert bars on their way out.

Karen and Richard Durrett with 2012 Auction Co-Chair, Cindy Campbell

The five course menu was collaboratively prepared by Allan Wambaa, Executive Chef of pacificwild catering at the Oregon Convention Center, Adam Sappington, Executive Chef/Co-owner of The Country Cat Dinner House and Bar, and Cory Schreiber, Founder of Wildwood restaurant, author, and faculty member of the International Culinary School at the Art Institute in Portland.

KGW's talented Stephanie Strickland served as emcee

The Classic Wines Auction, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing the Classic Wines Auction and related events which raise money for local charities benefiting children and families.

From Classic Wine Auction, Inc.:

The Classic Wines Auction, presented by Bank of America and US Trust, brings its total raised to nearly $30 million for charities benefiting children and families since its inception in 1984. Recognized as one of the top ten charity wine auctions in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine since 2001, the Classic Wines Auction has raised nearly $30 million for Portland-area charities since its inception in 1982. Based in Portland, Ore., Classic Wines Auction, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing the Classic Wines Auction and related food and wine events to raise funds for local charities benefiting children and families, including: Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children-Portland andywca clark county. See more at www.classicwinesauction.com.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.