Guests at the Collective Napa Valley Barrel Auction taste wines directly from the barrel with winemakers.
6/4/2022 - Saint Helena, CA - The Collective Napa Valley community came together in person for the first time to raise funds for the important cause of children's mental health.
“We are humbled to have the support of so many bidders, wineries, businesses and volunteers who all contributed to the success of this fundraising endeavor. We are thrilled with the results and feel fortunate to be able to contribute to such an important cause,” said Linda Reiff, President and CEO of Napa Valley Vintners.
The spirit of generosity could be felt throughout the event. Under the new model, bidders broke records at this year’s barrel auction that raised $1.5 million with average lot and case prices selling higher than ever before. Of the 75 lots up for auction, the average price per case was $1,873, 9% higher than 2019, with a highest ever average lot price of $18,683.
The Barrel Auction is only one component of Collective Napa Vallely’s new, year-round efforts to raise funds seasonally for pressing community issues.
“This fundraising campaign is just the first of more to come. In different seasons we’ll raise funds for a specific cause. For the summer offering we chose to focus on children’s mental health because of the intensified need the last few years,” said Reiff.
Earthquakes, fires and COVID-19 have greatly accelerated the need for services with one in four Napa County students currently experiencing mental health problems, according to education officials.
“Every dollar raised this weekend will have a meaningful impact on the life of a Napa County child. We are so thankful to be able to expand our efforts as a result of the funds raised,” said Jennifer Stewart, Executive Director of Napa Valley Education Foundation and leader of a joint effort among Napa's nonprofits who work together on community and children's mental health.
Funds raised will help provide on-campus access to individual and group counseling, substance abuse prevention, bully prevention programs and more.
With the promise of even more ahead, spirits were high at the community celebration on Saturday that closed out the weekend of celebrating together, enjoying wine and doing good.
Up next is the Vintage Celebration and Live Auction taking place November 4 –5, 2022 which will raise money for an environmental initiative.
Contact: Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Communications - 707-968-4210, twall@napavintners.com
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