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Classic Wines Auction Raises Nearly $3 Million for Five Local Nonprofits

by Elisa Klein | Mar 10, 2018 | Events, Features, News

Portland, OR. More than 825 guests gathered on March 3rd at the Oregon Convention Center for the 34th annual Classic Wines Auction, raising nearly $3 million for five local nonprofits. Guests bid on distinctive auction items while enjoying gourmet cuisine presented by top local chefs and, of course, the gala’s signature fine wines. Proceeds support children and families in our community served by the beneficiaries, including: Metropolitan Family Service, YWCA Clark County, Friends of the Children, New Avenues for Youth and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. Classic Wines Auction events have raised more than $43 million since 1982. (Photo credit, John Valls Photography)

Event chairs and Honorary Wine Ambassadors: Peter Andrews (chair), Gilles de Larouziere (Maisons & Domaines Henriot), Jill Nelson (chair), Shari Staglin (Staglin Family Vineyard), Mike Etzel (Beaux Freres Winery), Garen Staglin (Staglin Family Vineyard), Tara Kinateder (chair) and Richard Moreau (Maisons & Domaines Henriot).

Danielle Lee served guests from a “champagne skirt.”

Cyndi Challacombe, representing Cristal Champagne, pours for guest Wes Mallard.

Leslie Durst celebrates her winning bid.

Michelle and Jim Fitzhenry show their support.

Participants from ‘Friends of the Children’ share their stories on stage.

Brian Garish bids big.

Martin Green bids high in the live auction.

Guests enjoy the party.

Jim Mark, CEO of Melvin Mark Companies, First Growth Sponsor of the 2018 Classic Wines Auction

Mark and Tricia Cooper make their move in the live auction.

Master of Ceremonies Stephanie Stricklen welcomes guests with the help of the Starella Sisters.

Chef Allan Wambaa prepared a gourmet five-course meal, paired with wine from the Wine Ambassadors.

Bubbly was provided by Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne.

Guests peruse the wine section of the silent auction.

Portland’s Starella Sisters welcome guests to the party

Taft Stricklin earns a moment in the spotlight.

Jason Zidell gets ready to bid

Matt Felton raises his paddle to support local nonprofits.

Guests danced to Hit Explosion at the NIGHTCAP after party.

From Classic Wines:

OUR 2018 NONPROFIT PARTNERS:

Working with multiple nonprofit partners to spread the wealth and maximize our impact in the community.

The Classic Wines Auction supports the good work of Oregon and Southwest Washington organizations by providing funds to pre-selected nonprofit partners benefiting children and families. This year, we are honored to partner with Metropolitan Family Service (MFS), New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children – Portland, YWCA Clark County and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. Proceeds from the 2017/2018 Classic Wines Auction series of events will benefit these five organizations.

2017 Classic Wines Auction Nonprofit Spotlight Videos

Interested in becoming a Classic Wines Auction nonprofit partner? Learn more here.

METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICE (MFS) Portland, Oregon Nonprofit Partner Since 1982

Metropolitan Family Service (MFS) helps people move beyond the limitations of poverty, inequity and social isolation.

With a focus on prevention, MFS delivers proven programs and innovative solutions to help more than 30,000 people succeed at home, in school and in the greater Portland and SW Washington area each year. MFS is reaching out across the lifespan, creating opportunities that enable people of all ages and abilities to live with dignity and realize success.

Visit Metropolitan Family Service Online

New Avenues for Youth Portland, Oregon – Nonprofit Partner Since 2005

New Avenues for Youth works in partnership with the community to prevent youth homelessness and provide homeless and at-risk young people the resources and skills needed to lead healthy, productive lives.

Since 1997, New Avenues for Youth has offered programs and services that empower homeless youth to exit street life. With an increasing focus on homelessness prevention, New Avenues is building brighter futures for Portland’s most vulnerable youth and moving closer to its vision of a community in which all young people have a safe place to call home.

Visit New Avenues for Youth Online

FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN – PORTLAND, Portland, Oregon – Nonprofit Partner Since 2006

Friends of the Children breaks the cycle of generational poverty by giving children facing the highest-risks the ability to create a new story.

Children born into generational poverty believe they have no future, no potential, and their highest hope is merely to survive. These children are at high risk for teen parenting, incarceration, high dropout rates, and gang violence. Friends of the Children helps the highest-risk children dramatically change their story by providing each child with a salaried, professional mentor, or a Friend, from kindergarten through graduation. 12 ½ years. No matter what.

Visit Friends of the Children-Portland Online

YWCA CLARK COUNTY Vancouver, Washington – Nonprofit Partner Since 2008

YWCA Clark County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

YWCA programs provide tools and support to heal, build self-esteem, foster positive life choices, and change lives. YWCA celebrates diversity, respects differences, and recognizes the dignity of each individual. Working as a team to achieve a shared vision, YWCA Clark County is a leader of high quality, innovative services offered in a caring and compassionate environment.

Visit the YWCA of Clark County Online

UNITY CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Portland, Oregon – Nonprofit Partner Since 2016

The right care at the right time.

The Unity Center for Behavioral Health is a 24-hour behavioral and mental health services center providing immediate psychiatric care and a path to recovery for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Visit Unity Center for Behavioral Health Online

The Classic Wines Auction Non Profit Partner Selection Process:

The Classic Wines Auction, Inc. supports the good work of Oregon and Southwest Washington non‐profit organizations by raising money for nonprofit organizations benefiting children and families. The Classic Wines Auction seeks charitable partners that can effectively contribute to the success of auction events and exceed annual participation goals and expectations. Classic Wines Auction events have raised more than $43 million since 1982, and have benefited nearly one million individuals in the community.

The Classic Wines Auction has very limited opportunities to engage new nonprofit partners each year and does not currently have openings for 2018 events. We encourage local nonprofit organizations interested in discussing their interest for future involvement with the Classic Wines Auction to contact our Executive Director.

The Classic Wines Auction does not require formal applications, and all compatible nonprofit organizations expressing interest will be considered by the Classic Wines Auction Board and Executive Committee. If opportunities are available, the Executive Committee will select organizations with the following characteristics for further consideration: mission compatibility (must benefit children and families in the Portland or Southwest Washington communities), effective organizational management, sound financial practices, Board‐led fundraising, sustainability, and a solid volunteer network. In order to become involved, interested organizations must contact the Classic Wines Auction before April 1st to discuss potential participation in the next calendar year’s events.

4th Annual Sip, Serve & Celebrate is a Grand Slam

by Elisa Klein | Dec 20, 2012 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, November 9th. The 4th Annual Sip, Serve & Celebrate raised $116,000 for the Portland After-School Tennis & Education which helps at-risk students achieve academic and athletic success. Matt Felton got a big thank you hug from a scholar athlete in the ‘Felton Factor’ program while Executive Director Danice Brown looked on. Matt and his wife Jasmine generously funded the $23k annual costs of the program. (Photo credit, Team Photogenic)

PAST&E Scholar Athletes anxiously wait to make their debut and
performance for the guests and patrons.

Organizers say, “This year past board member Matt Felton was honored for all his work and contributions to the program by the creation of ‘The Felton Factor’ which focuses on strengthening participants’ fundamental tennis skills, preparing them for competitive play, and encouraging sportsmanship. The program also strives to improve competitiveness against private-club players who generally have greater resources and training opportunities.

Shawn Menashe raises his auction number to support the PAST&E fund-a-need.

PAST&E Volunteer Wendy Nakatani and Board Member Judy Ma congratulate Kana Wakamatsu for placing the winning bid for the US Open Tennis package. Kana and her husband Jason will get to experience US Open 2013 from the Nike box!

Matt and Jasmine Felton arrive to enjoy the festivities of Sip, Serve & Celebrate!

The event was held at Castaway Portland and emcees were Kelley Day and Mike Chase.

About Portland After School Tennis & Education:

“Our program is located in the heart of one of the most socio-economically challenged areas of Portland and is changing the lives of these wonderful students,” says Danice Brown, Executive Director of PAST&E. “Portland After-School Tennis & Education operates almost entirely on the generosity of our volunteers and individual donors and the money raised from this event is paramount in being able to keep our program going.”

Portland After School Tennis & Education (PAST&E) is a nonprofit whose mission is to create partnerships with families, schools, and volunteers to help at-risk K-12 students achieve academic and athletic success. We accomplish this through one-on-one academic tutoring, tennis lessons, a nutrition/fitness curriculum, parent education, and a “Best in Class” development program serving junior players who excel at tennis. Located at North Portland’s St. Johns Racquet Center, PAST&E impacts the lives of more than 1,000 at-risk children and families every year. For more information, visit www.pastande.org.