!Salud! Oregon Pinot Noir Auction Raises Over $650,000
Increase credited to 2009 vintage preview, event reputation.
Hillsboro, OR (PRWEB) November 18, 2010
Proceeds from the annual! Salud! Oregon Pinot Noir Auction topped $650,000 representing a significant 7% increase over 2009. The closing of a "Winery Development Dream Team" package offered online until Monday, Nov 22 will push the final total higher. !Salud! is known among Pinot noir collectors for the opportunity to acquire premier wines crafted exclusively for the auction, and within the industry for the broad support of the Oregon wine community for this unique cause.
Applauding the outcome, Amy Wesselman of Westrey Wines spoke on behalf of auction co-chairs Paul Sehdev, M. D. and Will Neuhauser: “Our guests bid generously and often, testifying to stellar 2009 Oregon Pinot noir cuvées as well as an exciting and creative auction. The money raised will cover essential medical care for thousands of seasonal vineyard workers and their families who rely on our services. The entire Oregon wine industry is grateful.”
Held November 12 and 13 at Domaine Drouhin Oregon and Portland’s historic Governor Hotel, the auction included unique Pinot noirs from the 42 “Vintner’s Circle” of top Oregon wineries, 53 silent auction items and an oral auction of significant, wine-inspired packages.
Among Saturday evening’s highlights was a standing ovation for Terry Casteel of Bethel Heights who was recognized for his family’s steadfast support of the program since its inception. In his remarks, Casteel called! Salud! “A broad testament to the generosity and spirit of the Oregon wine industry.”
!Salud! Clinical Services Manager Leda Garside asked bidders to “give from their hearts” for a special appeal to benefit dental services. They rose to the occasion donating over $107,000, encouraged by matching contributions by Ronni Lacroute of WillaKenzie Estates and pledges from 49 wineries in the northern Willamette Valley.
The Saturday evening black tie dinner was introduced by Jorge Chavez, vineyard manager for Bergström Wines, who sang a stirring rendition of “Si He Sabido Amor” in honor of his co-workers.
The Salud Pinot Noir Auction will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on November 11 and 12, 2011.
About! Salud!: Created by a group of Oregon winemakers and Tuality Healthcare physicians to address the healthcare hurdles faced by seasonal vineyard workers, this effective and far-reaching program is unique to Oregon. Workers who do not qualify for benefits due to the brevity of their employment with each winery or vineyard are given access to medical services and preventative healthcare under the guidance of medical professionals through education and advocacy.
2009 statistics include the following:
3,575 workers and family members were enrolled in the program, a 9% increase over 2008
1,002 wellness screenings were given at the worksite
3,492 dental procedures were performed
1,232 medical clinic visits were documented
Discounts totaling $235,244 were negotiated with healthcare providers
Next Year: The 2011 Auction will take place on November 11 and 12.
Website: http://www. saludauction. org (for auction and mission information)
Vinters Circle Wineries:
Adelsheim Vineyard; Amalie Robert Estate; Antica Terra; ArborBrook Vineyards; Archery Summit; Argyle; Ayres Vineyard; Bergström Wines; Bethel Heights Vineyard; Chehalem; Cristom Vineyards; Dobbes Family Estate; Domaine Drouhin Oregon; Elk Cove Vineyards; Erath Winery; Evening Land Vineyards; Hamacher Wines; Ken Wright Cellars; King Estate Winery; Lange Estate Winery; Lemelson Vineyards; Maysara Winery; Panther Creek Cellars; Patricia Green Cellars; Patton Valley Vineyard; Penner-Ash Wine Cellars; Ponzi Vineyards; R. Stuart & Co.; Raptor Ridge Winery; REX HILL; Scott Paul Wines; Shea Wine Cellars; Soléna Estate; Soter Vineyards; St. Innocent Winery; Stoller; Torii Mor; Westrey Wine Company; WillaKenzie Estate; Willamette Valley Vineyards; Winderlea Vineyard & Winery; Witness Tree Vineyard
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