Auction Raffle Raise $233,500 for Bard on the Beach
The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, presented by Blakes, kicked off the 41st Vancouver International Wine Festival on February 23 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver with a spectacular evening of wine and food, topped by a thrilling live auction. Live and silent auctions raised $186,500, while the sold-out raffle for two Delta One International Business Class tickets, donated by Delta Air Lines, raised an additional $20,000. Sponsorships and donations brought the evening’s total to $233,500. Net proceeds of this annual fundraiser benefit charitable partner Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival.
“The Gala was absolutely wonderful and all of us at Bard offer our heartfelt thank you to those who attended, and to the team that created it,” said Christopher Gaze, artistic director of Bard on the Beach. “The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver provided a truly elegant and dramatic backdrop. The marvellous Gala Chair, Jana Maclagan, along with MC Chris Gailus of Global BC, made sure the night was great fun. It was everything a successful Gala should be – and the funds raised will do remarkable things for our unique Bard Education programs. I’m so thrilled that this generous support will help us teach and inspire thousands of young people across British Columbia.”
The evening began with a sparkling wine reception and an opportunity to bid on a fantastic range of wines in the One Bid auction. Following the reception, guests savoured nine spectacular wines paired with five inventive courses created by the Fairmont’s executive chef, Colin Burslem, that took guests on a culinary journey inspired by Pacific West Coast vineyards.
Throughout dinner, guests were able to place their bids using electronic tablets on silent auction lots of unique and rare wines, while Master of Ceremonies Chris Gailus kept the evening flowing. During the dinner, Howard E. Blank hosted the exciting Live Auction, which featured once-in-a-lifetime wine lots and spectacular packages.
Highlights of the Live Auction once again proved to be the unique dining and travel experiences. A repeat of the night’s wine and food pairings, with a private Bacchanalia Dinner for 8 sold for $6,500, while the amazing dinner for ten on the Bard Mainstage this summer, hosted by Christopher Gaze and Vancouver music legend Jim Byrnes, raised $12,000. And the biggest bidding of the night was on the Taste of Bordeaux Wine Cruise which went for $16,000. In total, the live and silent auctions raised more than $186,500. The sold-out raffle for two Delta One International Business Class tickets, donated by Delta Air Lines, raised an additional $20,000. The raffle was won by Lauretta Bell of Vancouver.
“This year’s Bacchanalia Gala was a room buzzing with excitement and energy!” said Jana Maclagan, chair of the Bacchanalia Gala committee. “The crowd was more than ready to enjoy a great evening of food and wine when we opened the door. Bidding was fast and furious on the tablets. The room looked spectacular festooned with Edison lights and a twilight glow that took us through the meal, ending with a spectacular dessert soufflé that was quickly burned off dancing to the Adam Woodall Band. So much fun raising money for Bard’s education programs!”
Net proceeds from the 2019 festival, contributed to Bard on the Beach, will be announced at VIWF’s fiscal year-end and in conjunction with the opening of the Bard on the Beach season in June. The 2020 Bacchanalia Gala is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Bacchanalia Gala Dinner Wines:
Avanzi Romantica Franciacorta Satèn Brut NV, Lombardy, Italy
Coronica Gran Malvasia 2016, Istria, Croatia
Calera Chardonnay 2016, Central Coast, California
King Estate Pinot Noir 2016, Willamette Valley, Oregon
La Crema Pinot Noir 2015, Russian River Valley, California
Rocca delle Macìe Riserva di Fizzano Gran Selezione 2013, Chianti Classico, Italy
Château Beau-Site Saint-Estèphe 2009, Bordeaux, France
Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – Shiraz 2014, Barossa, Australia
Robert Mondavi Winery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California
De Bortoli Wines Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2014, Riverina, Australia
