Jameson Humane raises $1.5M including $250,000 for Fund-A-Need to provide access to affordable veterinary care to help thousands of animals.
(Napa, Calif.) — June 29, 2023 — Jameson Humane is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of their 10th Annual WineaPAWlooza wine auction fundraiser held at the picturesque and esteemed Beckstoffer Farm Center in Napa Valley, hosted by Andy & Betty Beckstoffer. The event, held on June 24, 2023, set the stage for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy, fine wine, and compassion. Generous attendees from all over the nation, including passionate animal lovers, wine connoisseurs, and wine industry leaders, gathered to contribute towards the well-being of animals and humans in need. The auction proved to be an unprecedented success, raising over $1 million in funds to support the vital mission of the sanctuary.
Jameson Humane is a solutions-based nonprofit and animal sanctuary that educates to inspire change on behalf of companion and farmed animals.
The event, which funds the majority of Jameson Humane’s annual operating costs, raised $1.5 million dollars, $250,000 of which for the Fund-A-Need, going towards their Mobile Veterinary Unit (MVU) program which provides access to affordable veterinary care in the Bay Area and beyond for Jameson’s partner organizations, low-income and unhoused communities, and their animals. Thousands of animals will benefit.
The kickoff of the 10th Annual WineaPAWlooza expanded upon the organization’s mission of global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. A panel discussion bringing together leaders in the wine industry to discuss innovation, behavior, and action-oriented change took place on the evening of Friday, June 23 at the scenic Memento Mori estate in Calistoga, hosted by co-proprietor Adam Craun. Vanessa Conlin MW moderated the panel which included Jaime Araujo of Trois Noix, Kia Behnia of Neotempo Wines, Anna Brittain of Napa Green, and Beth Novak of Spottswoode, plus, celebrity documentary producer, philanthropist, actress, and model, Katie Cleary, previewed her award-winning documentary, Why on Earth, showcasing heroes on the ground fighting to protect our earth’s most endangered species. The conversation vividly illuminated innovations in wine for the good of the planet and offered solutions and takeaways for the guests. The plant-based cuisine of the evening was curated by Chef Daniel Gomez-Sanchez of DGS Culinary.
The Grand Tasting, Animal Parade, & Wine Auction with celebrity guest, Katie Cleary, was held on Saturday, June 24 at the famed Beckstoffer Farm Center. The Grand Tasting and Wine Auction featured an exceptional selection of renowned and rare wines generously donated by 50+ distinguished vintners and wineries throughout Napa Valley and Sonoma (Participating Vintners here). The idyllic ambiance of the venue, with stunning vineyard views and the joyful presence of the sanctuary’s rescued and resident animals during the highly anticipated Animal Parade, led by Grand Marshal Steve Bellamy, proprietor of Belse Wine and sponsor of the Grand Tasting, set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
The evening culminated in the much-anticipated live auction of 18 spectacular lots, featuring cult wines, one-of-a-kind experiences, and trips to global wine destinations, led by celebrity wine auctioneer and personality, Fritz Hatton. With each bid, attendees demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the sanctuary’s cause, as well as their appreciation for Napa Valley’s exceptional wines. Dinner included a fully plant-based menu designed and executed by Deborah Blum of Goatlandia Kitchen, a premiere plant-based, organic catering service and event space in Sebastopol, CA, committed to supporting local farms and creating seasonal food that nourishes and benefits people, animals, and the planet.
The live auction kicked off with a single bottle of El Negocio tequila that sold for $10K ahead of its debut release; a rare 1999 Screaming Eagle Cabernet 6L, from the cellar of Founder Jeanie Phillips and personalized by winemaker Heidi Barrett – one of only two in the world, selling for $125K; and a Beckstoffer & Bevan custom barrel from Andy Beckstoffer’s personal vineyard, handcrafted by winemaker Russell Bevan who has earned over fifteen 100-point wines, was the largest winning bid on a single lot at $150K.
“In its 10th year, David and I continue to be both honored and humbled by the support of WineaPAWlooza by our amazing vintner and winemaker friends from Napa Valley, our sponsors, and volunteers. The weekend was beyond exhilarating with guests flying in from all over the country to experience the magic of WineaPAWlooza and support an organization that does so much good for so many,” said Monica Stevens, Co-Founder, Jameson Humane.
Jameson Humane would like to thank this year’s Event Sponsor and auction lot donor, NetJets, and additional contributing sponsors and partners: Stanly Ranch Auberge Resort, Belse Wine, Beau Wine Tours & Transportation, Wealth Enhancement Group Napa Valley, Minuteman Press, Malloy Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Services, LLC, Archer Hotel, Poppy Bank, Vineyard Soil Technologies, Connoisseur Wine Logistics, Goatlandia Kitchen, Charbay Distillery, Carneros Resort & Spa, imdgraphics, Nova Terra Creamery, Heritage Eats, Brewed, Napa Valley Features, Cartons & Crates, Venu Magazine, Platypus Wine Tours, Napa Valley Media, Bright Rentals, and La Tavola.
WineaPawlooza 2023 Steering Committee
- Andy & Betty Beckstoffer, Honorary Chairs
- Vanessa Conlin MW & Monica Stevens, Co-Chairs
- Fritz Hatton, Auctioneer
- Steering Committee: Patrice & Samantha Breton, Tom Buck, Paul Bullard, Victoria
- DeCrescenzo, Robert Emery, Dean Gray, Greg Gregory, Dr. Amy Herold, Artie Johnson,
- Allison & Jesse Katz, Jen Lombard, Amanda McCrossin, Juan Mercado, Nino O’Brien, Sep
- Pirchner, Christophe Smith, Scotti Stark, and Julia Wildt
ABOUT JAMESON HUMANE
Jameson Humane is an impact-driven nonprofit organization that collaborates and educates to inspire change in animal welfare, not only in local communities, but around the world. Monica and David Stevens founded Jameson Humane in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. The organization was named in memory of the Stevens’ beloved dog Jameson, an adopted Great Pyrenees who lived to the age of 14 and inspired the spirit and mission.
Jameson Humane operates multiple solutions-based programs to create a truly unique animal welfare organization that is unlike any other animal rescue or sanctuary for the benefit of the greater community and its animals. Every day, Jameson’s work is guided by how animals, the environment, and the community are all inextricably connected.
ABOUT WINEAPAWLOOZA
WineaPAWlooza is Jameson’s annual fundraiser, an event that has earned its place as one of the top ten wine events in the country according to Wine Spectator magazine. The money raised from this sought-after event supplies the critical funds necessary for Jameson’s programs to improve the state of animal welfare and save animals’ lives. Because of WineaPAWlooza, Jameson has been able to help thousands of animals and their humans in our community, and beyond, through vital programs that work across the inextricable web between animal welfare, our community, and the environment. This year’s event will help ensure these programs thrive as we continue to effect real change.
