Philanthropy by wine

Since I published the note about the Taste of New Zealand event, I've been overwhelmed by wine tasting events that contribute to the common good. I'm not sure what this says about our society here, but a summary is below:

California Wine Classic - Wed May 16
Benefiting the Northern California Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Taste wines from more than 20 of California's finest wineries, lavish delicacies from The Ritz-Carlton, incredible array of auction items, and a wine presentation from Karen MacNeil.

Urban Services Wine Tasting and Auction - Fri, May 18
For the fifth consecutive year the Urban Sevices Board of Managers is hosting their fundraising Wine Event and Silent Auction. Once again the event will take place at the beautiful Caldwell Snyder Gallery near Union Square in San Francisco. Prominent area winemakers are contributing exquisite wines to the cause, and the evening as always promises to be a fun and festive event.
Urban Services is the "Y" without walls. We collaborate with partners from the local to national level to provide diverse and accessible programs which value and empower youth and their families.

Vine and Dine Charity Event - Saturday, May 19
This year, Vine & Dine benefits Today's Youth Matter, a charitable organization that helps keep at-risk youth off the streets. Winemakers will pour wines from the ultra-premium market segment, which will be individually matched with food, expertly prepared by Chef Cynthia Bloebaum with David and Michelle King. It is held at the private estate of the 2006 Mayor of Atherton.

Taste of New Zealand - Wed, May 30
a New Zealand wine tasting to benefit the Taproot Foundation. The Taproot Foundation exists ensure all nonprofits have the infrastructure they need to thrive.

Vintage Affaire / Wine Auction and Gourmet Supper - Saturday July 21st 2007
Vintage Affaire 2007 will take place in the gardens of a private estate in Woodside. It is one of the largest wine auctions in California and benefits Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Palo Alto.The afternoon begins with a stroll through the estate gardens, sampling award winning wines and hors d'oeuvres prepared by some of the Bay Area's outstanding chefs. A string quartet will add to the atmosphere while guests examine and bid on a unique array of silent auction items. The day culminates in the live auction and a gourmet sunset supper accompanied by fine wines.

Waves to Wine, Start to Finish MS Bike Tour - September 29-30, 2007
Start training now! A ride from Ocean Beach to Healdsburg to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Socitey. No tasting while riding but there is a festival at the end.

Here's to doing some good while drinking some wine!