On April 26th we had a successful fund raising auction at the Pearson Air Museum in Vancouver WA. We not only raised money, but we had a lot of fun. The facility was perfect for the event, giving everyone plenty of room to sit at a table and enjoy the festivities. The table decorations (chocolate displays) were the centerpieces provided by the students of Clark Community College culinary program paired with double magnums of wine and champagne set the stage for a unique and wonderful evening.

All the auction items were beautifully displayed on tables throughout the facility (both live and silent auction items). We had a large screen displaying the items as they were auctioned on a slide presentation which was extremely helpful for everyone to see the item they were bidding on. Two lovely ladies (Carmen & Barbara) also carried the items around for everyone to touch and view during the live auction.

One table of live items

The entertainment was provided by the Shelly Rudolph Quartet set a great background – that gal can really sing! We only wish we had more time to hear more of her beautiful voice.

The Vancouver Pipe Band joined the festivities as they announced the beginning of the live auction at 7:00 pm by the opening of the hangar doors and the full band marching into the room. They also provided some lively tunes to promote their auction donation of a band performance. Special thanks to this group for such a delightful performance.

Vancouver Pipe Band

The chocolate inspired menu provided by Chef Regan Waugh from Delicious Dishes was excellent. All items were beautifully displayed on the tables. The food was paired perfectly with the wineries of Maryhill and Cascade Cliffs as two representatives from each winery poured the wines to go with the food. It was absolutely fabulous!

And if we couldn't top that anymore, the chocolate desserts (prepared by Ian Titterton and served by Clark College culinary students) totally exceeded our expectations. The students were present to explain each of the delicous desserts they had prepared.

The raffle consisted of an edible chocolate display, wine, & more!

Maryhill Winery and Cascade Cliffs Winery participated by serving some delicious wines

Thank you to all of you who donated items, or solicited donations. Many donors from last year contributed this year as well. We had a lot of wine, as well as an assortment of other items. We had more auction items this year, but also higher expenses as we had to rent the facility and some equipment. Money and bills are still trickling in, so we don’t have a final accounting yet. However, it looks as if our net funds for scholarships will exceed the 2007 auction.

Thanks to all who worked so hard on making the event successful!

About Maryhill

Building on the quality of our initial 4,500 case vintage in 1999, Maryhill Winery’s current production of 55,000 cases continues to embody our original intention of creating superior wines of great value. Dedication to our vineyards, growers and attention to detail has enabled us to improve the quality of our wines year after year.

Our enthusiasm, which fostered such unprecedented growth to the 18th largest winery in the state, has overflowed to other aspects of our unique business model as well. With annual visitation at over 75,000 a year Maryhill Winery is among the top 5 most visited tasting rooms in Washington today. With over 500 wineries now in Washington this exhibits the hospitality, tastes, views and overall experience one has when they make Maryhill Winery a stop on their itinerary.

Whatever your reason for visiting Maryhill Winery is, come see why our motto is Passion, Patience and Balance. Welcome to Maryhill Winery and to our future.

For more information, visit: www.maryhillwinery.com