August 20, 2013
Sonoma County’s Newest Culinary Event
The Best Winery Chefs Gala Dinner and Auction
Dear X______,
I’d like to ask for a donation to the first “Best Winery Chefs of Sonoma County” fund-raising dinner and auction, November 9th at the Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club. This event is a first of its type in either Napa or Sonoma and is an extension of, and replaces our traditional Culinary Classic.
Like the Culinary Classic, the goal is to raise funds for local and international projects and nonprofits, but the “Best Winery Chefs” event also brings together and recognizes a group of very talented, but frequently under-appreciated chefs.
Four of Sonoma County’s most culinary and philanthropic wineries are donating their chefs and wine: Arista, J Vineyards & Winery, Ledson and Simi. Each chef will prepare a dish matched with their wine as part of a four-course, sit-down dinner.
Arista Winery President Mark McWilliams explains the interest: “Arista has long supported the Sonoma County culinary scene - farmers, wineries and chefs all working together. To that end we also want to encourage young and up-and-coming chefs like our chef Tim. When we can join other wineries to foster these goals and to help others, it’s a “win-win."
Eventproceeds will fund numerous local and international Rotary-sponsored projects including:
Santa Rosa City Schools’ “Support Our Students” Program (Counseling)
Steele Lane Elementary School school garden project (20 years of support)
Environmental Projects for Audubon and the Sonoma Land Trust
Ceres Project
The Children’s Village
Nicaraguan Eye Glass/Cataract Surgery Project
Rural School Dental Project in conjunction with Santa Rosa Junior College
College scholarships for five (5) deserving local high school students each year
Please consider donating something that can be integrated into an experience (like a great bottle of wine or a vacation rental) or an experience itself - like dinner for eight at your house, or at a restaurant. Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary is a 501-3c nonprofit, so your donation is deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please contact your tax provider for advice.
Thank you in advance for deciding to join us in our efforts to help others.If you need more details, or would like to purchase a table or an individual ticket, please go-online to or contact Larry Martin at (707) 526-6622 (W) or
Very truly yours,
Michael Kelly
President
Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary Club