RNO Wine Country Auction Nets $1 Million for Kids
Imagine 2004
HEALDSBURG, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2004--More than $1 million for children's charities in Sonoma County and across the globe was raised at Imagine 2004, held July 31 at Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery. The highest bid, $240,000, was paid for a dinner with Sophia Loren at her Southern California ranch for six couples. Other auction lots included a two week stay at event co-chair Jess Jackson's Tuscany hideaway, a walk-on role in a Sydney Pollack film, a vintage 1927 Buick sedan with a bottle of 1928 Bordeaux, a day at the races with racecar driver Paul Newman in the pits at Laguna Seca, Calif., and Michael Anthony handmade boots.
According to event co-chair, famed San Francisco trial attorney and Chalk Hill proprietor, Fred Furth, all auction proceeds will go directly to the beneficiary organizations representing children's causes at home and abroad.
"The entire amount goes directly to children's charities," said Furth. "There will be no overhead or anything else deducted from what we raised here, and that's what we are most proud of."
The Russian National Orchestra, conducted by Carlo Ponti, Jr., was featured at the event and helped to highlight the region's early Russian influence. In addition to benefiting a number of Sonoma County children's charities, part of the money raised is earmarked for the RNO's outreach program for Russian orphans.
"This event today will result in life enriching and life changing opportunities for many needy children," said Jackson. "And it's also a historic event in that Russian contributions to this area are being honored with the appearance of the Russian National Orchestra. Not many people know that Russian explorers and early communities introduced some of the first fruit and grapes to Northern Sonoma County."
About Imagine 2004
Imagine is an international project that raises funds for children's charities in the United States and Russia. The July 31, 2004 gala at Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery is the fifth annual Imagine and the first to feature:
- the gracious hospitality of one of California's premiere wineries;
- a rare private performance of the renowned Russian National Orchestra, with conductor Carlo Ponti, Jr., both making debut appearances in Sonoma County;
- an exhibit of inspiring art created by Russian orphans and brought from Moscow especially for Imagine 2004;
- a 54-lot auction led by nationally known auctioneers Ursula Hermacinski and Fritz Hatton;
- and notables attending from around the country to support Imagine and participate in realizing a $1 million goal on behalf of Sonoma County Children's Charities, Sonoma Academy and the RNO's outreach programs in Russian orphanages.