Auction of Washington Wines raises $1.5 million for Seattle Children's Hospital

The 22nd annual Auction of Washington Wines, held August 13-15 in Woodinville, WA, at the Chateau Ste. Michelle, raised $1.5 million for uncompensated care at Seattle Children's Hospital and the Washington Wine Education Foundation.

"This is a very respectable amount in the face of a difficult economy. It's also a real statement of the loyalty from our constituents -- donors and patrons -- to support Seattle Children's Hospital in such a generous way," Auction of Washington Wines Executive Director Carol Munro said in a news release.

The Auction of Washington Wines broke many all-time records this year, including more Friday night winemaker dinners than ever before. About 530 wine lovers attended 15 dinners around the greater Seattle area. This year the Auction also featured a new event called Revelry on Red Mountain, at Col Solare winery near Benton City with 130 attendees and 17 wineries. The Covey Run 5K and 10K Run/Walk raised $115,000 -- more than $15,000 over last year.

Greg Lill, CEO/co-owner of DeLille Cellars, and Auction co-chairman for the last two years commented, "I am continually impressed by the Washington wine industry's commitment to give back to the community. Aside from making some of the world's best wines, our growers and vintners reach deep each and every year to give what they can for Seattle Children's Hospital and the Washington Wine Education Foundation. This year was no exception."

Some of the top auction items included:

· Raise your Paddle for Seattle Children's Hospital -- more than $400,000

· Picnic Barrel Auction proceeds - $44,000

· Super Bowl XLIV Package for two - auctioned two times for a total of $36,000

· Travel with the Seahawks for two - auctioned three times for a total of $26,500

· 2009 Commemorative Magnum of one-of-a-kind DeLille Cellars blend -- 70 sold for a total of $21,000

· A Via Tribunali pizza party with Col Solare and Betz Family Winery - $19,000

· 13 3-liter bottles of Cayuse Vineyards wine plus 2 spots on the mailing list - $17,000

· Six Betz Family 5-liters plus a Metropolitan Grill dinner for 12 - $13,000

· Private Tour of Leonetti Cellar plus dinner for 6 and a 9-liter of Leonetti Cellar Reserve - $9,000

· Sommelier Instant Gratification including a mystery case - auctioned four times for a total of $8,000

· One-of-a-kind Piano Case of DeLille Cellars - $4,500