On the evening of February 10, in a banquet room at Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Washington, the future of the Washington Wine industry was on the minds of many. Over 400 attended the Washington Wine Industry Foundation’s 9th annual Angel Share auction which raised over $50,000 for works of the Foundation.The event was held during the annual Industry Banquet of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers convention. Seizing the opportunity to strategically plan for the future of the industry an additional $30,100 was generously contributed as one person after another raised their paddle in support of a newly-created Leadership Fund. The Leadership Fund is specifically designated to support up-and-coming leaders with professional development opportunities including an aim to fund a grape seat in the Washington Ag Forestry Leadership Program.
“We were just overwhelmed at the outpouring of industry support,” said Vicky Scharlau, Executive Director of the Foundation, “We had no idea that the Leadership Fund would create such instant enthusiasm but it’s clear that the professional development of our future leaders hit a chord.”
Overall, support at the 2011 Angel Share auction was the best it has been since pre-2008 years. The leadership fund struck a chord with attendees.
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ABOUT: The Washington Wine Industry Foundation, a nonprofit, exempt Washington corporation is the fund-raising and gift-receiving organization for the Washington State wine industry and other donor-designated organizations. Organized as a 501(c)(3) in 2001, the Foundation engages those who care about the wine industry, provides opportunities to enhance scholarships, education, outreach and research. WWIF is home to scholarships including those honoring Walter Clore, John Farmer, Horse Heaven Hills Winegrowers, George Carter and S.W. (Bill) Preston – each targeting deserving viticulture and enology students. Through the Foundation, you can help to advance the excellence of the Washington wine industry. Please visit our website and find how you can help support the world’s premium wine growing area!