Monday, August 19, 2013

Vine 2 Wine Draws a Hopeful Circle of Support

vine2wine2013Thousands came out from all over the state Saturday to support the Circle of Hope and its 10th annual Vine 2 Wine Classic.


The benefit is the foundation’s biggest fundraisers, and offers epicurean delights from throughout the state.


The plan was to do outdo last year’s total of $50,000 raised, with the help of a new venue, California Institute for the Arts in Valencia.


“The turnout has been absolutely fabulous,” said Ray Tippet, executive director for the Circle of Hope. “Based on the economy and everything that’s going on, we’re just happy that everyone’s out here supporting us, and that’s great. It’s just really an amazing event.”


In addition to a raffle and a silent auction, the main administration building for the Valencia art school that hosted the event featured rare and expensive library wines, including an $800 bottle of port from 1853.


Assemblyman Scott Wilk, and his wife, Vanessa, local school officials and many others from the community were part of the crowd enjoying the event that benefitted the Santa Clarita-based breast cancer organization.


Circle of Hope has been assisting breast cancer patients, their families and the community of Santa Clarita Valley since 2004, according to the organization’s website.


Colleen Shaffer created this breast cancer organization after her own journey when she discovered that breast cancer patients who cannot afford expenses associated with the treatment of breast cancer due to financial hardship were at a serious disadvantage.


The group looks to help anyone who’s from the area, live in the area or works in the Santa Clarita Valley.


The organization holds several fundraising events throughout the year, including the 5K Run/Walk and People’s Choice Car Show and the Afternoon Tea, but the Vine 2 Wine, which is also supported by KHTS AM-1220, is the most popular and well attended.


In addition to events hosted by Circle of Hope, local businesses and individuals within the community are able to host beneficiary events in honor of the organization.


All proceeds from these fundraising events are used to further Circle of Hope’s mission to continue to assist Santa Clarita Valley community members diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the organization’s website.



Vine 2 Wine Draws a Hopeful Circle of Support