Another Record-Breaker for ¡Salud!
Premier Pinot Noir Auction Caps $775,000
Portland Ore: Wednesday, November 14, 2007: In its 16th year, ¡Salud! continues to break records, raising $775,625 with auctions focused on premium Oregon Pinot Noirs.
Drawn by the only opportunity to purchase limited production wines from Oregon’s top producers, guests from across the country contributed $172,395 for 168 cases at the Tasting and Big Board auction on November 9. A further $603,000 generated at the exciting live and silent auction at Portland’s historic Governor Hotel was capped by an electrifying paddle raise appeal spurred by a $30,000 combined pledge from 100 independent vineyard owners in the Willamette Valley AVAs.
Co-Chairs Danielle Andrus Montalieu of Soléna Cellars, and Edwin Irish M.D. were excited at the outcome: “The heart and enthusiasm bidders showed speaks volumes for the quality and caliber of the wines. Our sense of community and commitment gives us the opportunity to support those without whom these wines would not be possible… and have a great time doing it!”
Irish agreed “¡Salud! bears testament to the appreciation we all have for seasonal vineyard workers. As their need for healthcare continues to rise, we are particularly grateful for the generosity of ¡Salud! supporters. It’s a profound statement.”
¡Salud! provides healthcare outreach services for seasonal vineyard workers and their families who cannot qualify for health insurance plans. To fill this void, a dedicated group of Oregon vintners and volunteers associated with Tuality Healthcare Foundation created a bi-lingual service called ¡Salud!, the traditional Spanish toast “to your health.”
Through ¡Salud! seasonal workers receive health education, cholesterol and diabetes screenings, dental care, assistance with medical paperwork and more. Referrals are made for necessary medical aid beyond the financial means of most recipients, including quality pre-natal care, hospitalizations and surgeries. Demand for ¡Salud! increases steadily with over 3,300 individuals served in 2006 alone.
The 2008 auction will be held on November 7 and 8.
Participating Wineries: Adelsheim, Amalie Robert, Antica Terra, ArborBrook, Archery Summit, Argyle, Beaux Frères, Bergström, Bethel Heights, Broadley, Chehalem, Cristom, Dobbes, Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Domaine Serene, Elk Cove, Erath, Four Graces, Gypsy Dancer, Hamacher, Ken Wright Cellars, King Estate, Lange Estate, Patricia Green Cellars, Patton Valley, Penner-Ash, Ponzi, R. Stuart & Co., Raptor Ridge, Rex Hill, Scott Paul, Shea Wine Cellars, Silvan Ridge, Soléna, Soter, St. Innocent, Stoller, Torii Mor, Westrey, WillaKenzie, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Witness Tree.