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Hospital foundation, food bank beneficiaries at wine auction

  Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, co-produced by the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners, has announced the two organizations that will benefit from the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction “Fund-A-Need” auction lot this year: the Redwood Empire Food Bank and Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation.

It has long been a tradition at the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, to be held this year at Cline Cellars, to feature beneficiaries that are seeking funds for a specific and urgent need. During the live auction, attendees have the opportunity to lift their paddles to make a monetary contribution on the spot. This year, donations can be made at any time between now and the live auction set for Sunday, Sept. 4. Donors that are unable to attend the auction can still call 935-0803 to make a contribution.

Nonprofit organizations from throughout Sonoma County applied, and were required to demonstrate a specific need that with support would have an immediate impact on the community. The Sonoma Valley Hospital has an urgent need to replace a desperately outdated x-ray system. The Redwood Empire Food Bank, which has a far reach throughout Sonoma County, has a critical need for warehouse equipment necessary for distributing food.

“The Redwood Empire Food Bank distributes 13 million pounds of food annually throughout Sonoma County,” said David Goodman of the Redwood Empire Food Bank, “Through the generosity of vintners and growers, as well as event attendees, we will be able to further our mission of ending hunger in our community by creating a more effective food delivery system that will enable us to expand our service to meet growing needs.”

“The Sonoma Valley Hospital provides life-saving, diagnostic services to patients from throughout our region every day,” said Carolyn Stone of the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation, “The current equipment has been on-site for nearly 30 years. It is imperative that we purchase new digital x-ray equipment so that our facility can continue to serve our patients. We are grateful for the continued support of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.”

Proceeds from Sonoma Wine Country Weekend benefit local communities and charities serving students, children, farm workers and people in need. To date, more than $10 million has been raised jointly by the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners. The 2011 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is set for Labor Day Weekend, September 2 to 4.

To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com, like it on Facebook or follow on Twitter.