Classic Wines Auction Raises a Record-Breaking $3.5 Million for Charity Partners

Portland, Or. This year’s Classic Wines Auction, which took place at the Oregon Convention Center on March 4th, raised $3.5 million, more than any auction in the organization’s history. Net proceeds will benefit five local nonprofits: Metropolitan Family Service, YWCA Clark County, Friends of the Children, New Avenues for Youth and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. The Honorary Wine Ambassadors included: KR Rombauer, Steve and Bridgit Griessel, Alison Sokol-Blosser and Xavier Barlier.

With a record-breaking year on the books, the Classic Wines Auction has raised nearly $45 million for its partners in the organization’s 33 years. This announcement comes on the heels of its 2016 event being ranked number seven on Wine Spectator’s annual list of Top 10 charity wine auctions in the U.S.

“We’re overwhelmed by the generous support of our community and the success of this year’s event,” said Heather Martin, Executive Director of the Classic Wines Auction. “We implemented a number of format changes this year to shorten the evening and freshen up the event, and we are thrilled by the positive response from our attendees, donors, sponsors, and nonprofit partners. We know these funds will create incredible opportunities for youth and families in Oregon and Southwest Washington.”

With more than 850 guests in attendance, the paddle raise drew in more than $1.1 million, another new record for the organization. “Weekend with Rombauer,” a trip for six couples to Napa Valley, went for the highest sum, raising $108,000. Other hot packages included a 2018 Lexus LC500h, a trip to France with Louis Roederer Group, and an African safari with Betz Family Winery.

Throughout the year, Classic Wines Auction hosts a number of events in support of its nonprofit partners, including:

• Corks and Forks: June 8, 2017
• Oregon Polo Classic: July 22 and 23, 2017
• Fall Winemaker Dinner Series: November: 14-16, 2017
• Spring Winemaker Dinner Series: Feb. 20-22, 27-28, March 1, 2018

About Classic Wines Auction:

Consistently recognized as one of the top ten charity wine auctions in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine, the Classic Wines Auction has raised nearly $45 million for local nonprofit partners 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 organizations benefiting children and families, including: Metropolitan Family Service (MFS), New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children-Portland, YWCA Clark County and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. The organization recently received – for the third consecutive year – a four star rating from Charity Navigator recognizing exemplary performance in accountability, transparency, as well as strong financial health. More at www.classicwinesauction.com.