New dates for main events and virtual opportunities amid surge in COVID-19 cases
JACKSONVILLE, Ore. (Aug. 10, 2021) — Oregon Wine Experience® (OWE), one of the top destination charity wine and culinary events, has rescheduled three of its 2021 main events in light of the surge in COVID-19 cases. Founders’ Barrel Auction, Miracle Auction & Salmon Bake and Grand Tasting are now slated to take place Oct. 1-3, 2021 at Bigham Knoll in Jacksonville, Ore. Medal Celebration will continue as a livestream program on Thursday, Aug. 26.
“With the rising cases, it’s simply not a good time to bring our guests together for OWE. Our top priority is the health and safety of our community,” said Floyd Harmon, executive director, Asante Foundation. “We are hopeful that offering a livestream program, and rescheduling the other main events, will allow time for the surge to diminish and for people to get vaccinated, so we can gather safety.”
New 2021 events schedule
In-person events will follow all current mandates and protocol requirements in October. The format is subject to change based on the guidelines at the time of the event. Below is the anticipated schedule:
- Thursday, Aug. 26 – Virtual Medal Celebration: This event will be hosted via a livestream showing for anyone to tune in virtually. Viewers will have a front row seat as the 2021 Oregon Wine Competition®results are announced. Sponsors will receive exclusive “Medal Celebration in a box” packages to enjoy the award-winning wine and culinary bites. The general public will also have an option to purchase these while supplies last here.
- Friday, Oct. 1 – Founders’ Barrel Auction: Attendees will be able to taste wine from the barrel and bid on a chance to win exclusive wines donated by our winery partners from all corners of the state. All bidding is online, and anyone can view the lots and register today.
- Saturday, Oct. 2 – Miracle Auction & Salmon Bake: The master of ceremonies and auctioneer will take the audience on an engaging ride through a live auction with coveted auction items and a Paddle Raise. Attendees will enjoy a wonderful culinary experience of a traditional salmon bake dinner and medal-winning wines from the Oregon Wine Competition. This event will showcase the vast impact of community support through OWE and help Asante build a new children’s hospital. Mobile bidding will be open all week for Silent Auction items (Sept. 27- Oct. 2). Lots are available for preview and registration is open.
- Sunday, Oct. 3 – Grand Tasting: Taste Oregon’s award-winning wine and culinary excellence. Attendees will enjoy tasting the full breadth and depth of wines presented by our winery partners and complemented by culinary bites.
“We’re grateful for the continued generosity of our sponsors and donors during yet another unique year, continuing the support for Asante and our frontline health care workers,” said Harmon.
As part of Asante, we encourage the community to get vaccinated, as we know this is the safest way for everyone to gather, and to slow the climb in COVID-19 hospitalizations and the delta variant in Southern Oregon.
For more details on the events, please visit theoregonwineexperience.com or call (541) 789-5025.
About Oregon Wine Experience®
Since its inception in 2015, Oregon Wine Experience® (OWE) has raised more than $6.6 million, benefiting Children’s Miracle Network and other health care programs funded by Asante Foundation. Asante is a local, community-owned and governed not-for-profit organization with nearly 6,000 employees who provide medical care to nearly 600,000 people in a nine-county area of Southern Oregon and Northern California. The multi-day wine and culinary event celebrates the very best of Oregon and will take place August 23-29, 2021. For more information visit: theoregonwineexperience.com.
About Asante Foundation
For more than 60 years, philanthropy has helped Asante provide and enhance health care for communities throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California. Asante Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Asante, a local, community-owned and governed not-for-profit health system, is an integral partner in Asante’s vision to be your trusted health partner for life – every person, every time. Asante Foundation launched AsanteForward, the most significant campaign effort in our history, to transform the quality and scope of health care available in Asante’s nine-county region, with a goal of at least $50 million. This campaign is the largest philanthropic endeavor ever attempted in this area. At the core of AsanteForward are five specific initiatives including behavioral health, cancer care, expanded emergency services and a new patient pavilion to house several areas of care including a new women’s and children’s hospital, cardiac care, critical care and advanced surgical services. To learn more, please visit asantefoundation.org.
