I’m often asked to donate to charitable auctions but rarely do I accept these requests. Even though auctions can involve the right demographic of potential collectors, generally auctions do not yield much, if any, business. And I'm just not yet in a position to give much of my limited time or inventory away.
I decided to make an exception for the 2011 Naples Winter Wine Auction which brings many of the world's finest vintners and chefs together with wine collectors and philanthropists for a three-day gala each January in Naples, Florida. This event raises significant donations and awareness for at-risk and underprivileged children. I am particularly interested in causes that promote the health and well being of women and children.
2010 was a banner year for Ann Rea, Inc. It marked my fifth year anniversary in business. I formed an advisory board. I launched an Experience of Art & Wine. And a gentleman who is an extraordinarily successful venture capitalist, philanthropist, business professor, and author offered to mentor me along with eleven other emerging entrepreneurs that he selects each year.
With good health and good people in my life, I have much to be thankful for. So I felt an urge to celebrate my good fortune and give back by donating an Experience of Art & Wine to help 2011 Naples Winter Wine Auction.
I'm proud to say that I helped the Naples Winter Wine Festival raise $12 million at this years auction. They have raised a total of $94.5 million in the last eleven years.
The other donors who contributed to the same auction lot include: Terry & Bob Edwards, Sandi & Tom Moran, Nancy Andrus Duckhorn, Meadowood Napa Valley, Araujo Estate, BOND Estates, Michael Chiarello, Colgin Cellars, Ken Frank, Thomas Keller, Kelly Fleming Wines, Kongsgaard Wine, Christopher Kostow, Cindy Pawlcyn, Richard Reddington, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Spottswoode Estate Vineyards & Winery The winners of my prize have chosen an Experience of Art & Wine featuring Robert Mondavi Winery’s To Kalon Vineyard. Their custom sized painting of To Kalon Vineyard will be featured in their newly restored 100 foot yacht, named “To Kalon.”
