Wine Auction Working to Address Inclusivity for Communities of Color in the Wine Industry. Evening will feature the largest sommelier team of color in the world
New York, NY (January 25, 2023) – The Roots Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing diversity in the wine industry, and premiere auction house Zachys have launched ticket sales for the second annual The Roots Fund Charity Auction Gala on Sunday, March 5th at Tribeca Rooftop in NYC. Tickets start at $482 and are available now on EventBrite.
The formal event, which has become a must-attend for the wine industry, will include a gala dinner, an in-person auction hosted by Zachys, and a virtual auction of wines and experiences donated by world-renowned estates and wineries from all around the world, including Burgundy, Champagne and Napa Valley.
Proceeds from the event and the online auction, both hosted by Zachys, will directly support The Roots Fund mission, which is focused on securing a pathway for the BIPOC community in wine through financial support for education, mentorship, and job placement opportunities. Last year, the organization raised over $400K and is looking to double that in 2023. This annual fundraiser will allow The Roots Fund to expand their educational services in wine.
The evening will feature musical guests, distinctive wines, a specially curated menu by acclaimed chefs including Daniel Eddy (Winner), Joseph L. Paire III (Claremont Club & Spa, Limewood Bar & Restaurant) and Billy Durney (Hometown Bar-B-Que, Red Hook Tavern), and the largest Sommelier team of color in the world. The party will culminate with a lively live auction featuring the most exclusive and unique lots of the auction.
Kumasi Aaron, ABC News Reporter and Morning Anchor for KGO-TV in San Francisco, will serve as host for the evening. Aaron has interviewed Oprah, covered the Oscars Red Carpet, and led coverage and conversations around social justice, health, equity and other issues important to the community. A proud graduate of Florida A&M University, Aaron co-anchored the FAMU Homecoming coverage for Good Morning America this past fall.
Schedule of Events:
- 6pm – 7pm: Cocktail area + Exclusive Wine Tasting featuring Rare Wines
- 7pm – 10pm: 5 Course Plated Dinner + Wine Service presented by The Roots Fund Scholars and World Class Sommeliers
- 10pm – 1am: After Party! Cocktails + Snacks + Lots of Dancing!
Guests are encouraged to bring favorite bottles from their cellars to share with other diners, honoring the tradition of La Paulée.
The room will be packed with wine industry icons and innovators including: Véronique Boss Drouhin, Channing Frye, Dominique Lafon, and CJ McCollum.
Created in 2020 by Executive Director Ikimi Dubose-Woodson, Hue Society Founder Tahiirah Habibi, and Master Sommelier and Managing Partner of Lawrence Wine Estates Carlton McCoy, Jr., the nonprofit has raised over $1 million and supported 155 scholars to date. The leadership is supported by current Board members and respected wine professionals Jeremy Seysses of Triennes and Domaine Dujac, Santosh Varghese of Fida Wine, the direct-to-consumer arm of VINTUS, and McCoy, who will all be in attendance at the 2023 event.
About The Roots Fund
The Roots Fund is a non-profit organization focused on securing the pathway for the BIPOC community in wine. Built to create financial support for education, mentorship, and job placement opportunities, The Roots Fund is out “doing the work,” to create inclusivity for communities of color in the wine industry. Since its foundation in 2020, they have raised over $1 million and created 155 scholarships that will bring years of change and equity into the wine industry. For more information and to learn how you can help, visit www.therootsfund.org.
About Zachys Wine
Zachys is the world’s premier auction house and purveyor of fine and rare wines. Founded in 1944, Zachys is a family-owned business headquartered in Westchester, NY with international offices in Asia and Europe. In 2022 Zachys sold over $150 million of fine wine and spirits globally, including working with organizations benefiting causes as diverse as City Harvest, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, the United Sommeliers Foundation, and more.
