Auction Napa Valley is canceled again because of coronavirus; organizers plan ‘new chapter’
Auction Napa Valley, a 4-decade springtime tradition that brought out the who’s who of Wine Country, Hollywood and beyond to raise money for local causes, has had its final curtain call in its typical form, as the prospects for large public gatherings next spring grow dimmer amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
Napa Valley Vintners, a nonprofit winery trade group with 550 members, announced on Tuesday it will switch gears for major fundraising, after earlier this year rescheduling the event to June 2021 with statewide shelter-in-place orders in effect. The organization and the event’s boards of directors plan to work on a “new chapter” for the auction and “redefine” how the region raises money.
“Pausing our Auction due to the global pandemic allowed us time to reflect on all we have achieved and gave us the space to envision what our future might look like.” said Robin Baggett, chairman of the trade association’s board, in the announcement.
Organizers plan to take a year to come up with a replacement for the even that has resulted in donations of more than $200 million to health care, education and other local efforts. Reserve funds from the even will be used for more giving to local groups in 2021, the organizers said.
“Auction Napa Valley set the standard for world-class wine events, and we’re humbled to have inspired others to create countless events that have raised funds for many other worthy causes,” said Jack Bittner, vice chairman of the association board.