Hospitality Industry in Monterey, California Raises More than $220K
in Single Night for Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort Monterey County Wine Industry Plays a Significant Role in Helping the Cause
Monterey, CA - November 18, 2005 - With the results now tabulated, the “Community Feeds Our Nation” event held on October 7, 2005 at Monterey Bay Aquarium is estimated to have raised more than $220,000 in one night for victims of Hurricane Katrina. One hundred percent of all proceeds from the event will go to American Red Cross – Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
The event was an unprecedented show of community support driven primarily by Monterey County’s hospitality industry, which pulled the lavish event together in less than a month and secured 100 percent of the materials, services and labor at zero cost. The mammoth event was supported by more than 60 area wineries. One of the most intriguing attractions was a freestanding wine cellar filled with wine, which raised $6,000 by selling keys that might open the cellar. It also featured more than 55 of the county’s top chefs and restaurants, breweries, and other beverage companies.
“It was inspiring to see the community unify for a single purpose and the generosity was astounding,” commented Kristin Horton, Director of Wine Estate Marketing for Chateau Julien. “All of the participants, volunteers and attendees were determined to make a difference and the evening was an overwhelming success. We were proud to pour Chateau Julien wines and contribute to the community-wide effort.”
Event Statistics:
An estimated 1150 – 1200 guests attended the event
More than 32,000 servings of food were dished out
Between 325 and 350 volunteers set up the event in a mere hour-and-a-half (since the Aquarium is open to the public until 6 p.m., set-up could not begin until then for the event starting at 7:30 p.m.)
Nearly $37,000 was raised in the live auction, with the highest bid for any item at $17,500 for a Private Chef Dinner at the bidder’s home, featuring nine of the county’s best chefs
Twenty-one media sponsors supported and helped to promote the event – all of whom did so despite the fact that their direct competitors were also sponsors of the event
Commented Holly Evans, Director of Marketing at Carmel Road Winery, "Everyone at Carmel Road was heartsick with the human suffering following Hurricane Katrina. We wanted to help in any way we could and the Community Feeds our Nation event offered the perfect chance to lend a hand. We are very proud to have participated in such a worthy effort!"
The vintners of Monterey have been known to pull together to support both local causes and charitable efforts of nationwide importance. Over the past two years, MCVGA has donated over $35,000 to the local Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice efforts. MCVGA has also been active in supporting the UC Cooperative Extension Program and the American Vineyard Foundation. These programs are vital in producing innovations in monitoring and trapping pests that have minimized or eradicated wine regions in other areas. Over $25,000 has been donated to these groups within the last 24 months.
Finally, in the spring of 2005, as a result of MCVGA’s national tour to markets throughout the United States, over $15,000 was donated to The San Diego State University hospitality scholarship program, the San Diego Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food, the University of Houston hospitality scholarship program, the Houston Restaurant Association scholarship program, the Houston Food Bank, and the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association scholarship program. MCVGA plans to visit Las Vegas and Phoenix in 2006 and has partnered with the local hospitality associations in those regions to contribute to scholarship programs for deserving students.
About MCVGA
The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of members, partners and our community in order to promote and support our leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing over 80 vintners and growers in Monterey County. MCVGA can be reached by calling 831.375.9400 or visiting online at www.montereywines.org.
