Collabria Care, Napa Valley’s hospice and Alzheimer’s resource center, held its 13th Annual Benefit Gala at Castello di Amorosa on Friday, September 6, 2019 with Rich and Leslie Frank of Frank Family Vineyards as this year’s honorary chairs. The gala featured fine cuisine from Tre Posti and exceptional Frank Family wines in celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary while tapping into Rich and Leslie’s Hollywood background with the theme “Hollywood & Vine: Celebrating the Golden Age.”
“From the moment we first met with Rich and Leslie to brainstorm about the gala we knew it would be a special night. Through Valerie Peebles’ leadership, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood was carried out through every element. From the red-carpet arrival to the table décor and golden chocolate giveaways, guests were treated to a most a spectacular evening,” says Director of Philanthropy Jennifer McConnehey.
More than 200 community members attended the gala, a can’t miss hallmark of Napa Valley’s fall social season. The evening’s alfresco dining within the castle walls was an experience to remember, culminating in the much-anticipated live auction of 18 premium lots of rare wines, fabulous dinners and exclusive travel experiences. During the live auction, guests had an opportunity to raise a paddle and “fund-a-need” in support of the vital work Collabria Care does in the community.
The live auction kicked off with 24 limited-edition 40th Anniversary Collabria Care etched magnums from Frank Family Vineyards, which raised $45,000. The Franks also donated two additional highly sought-after lots:
- A Hollywood experience featuring a two-night stay at a luxury hotel, dinner at Spago Beverly Hills and tickets to the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Awards, plus limited-edition large format bottles and a VIP tasting at the Frank Family tasting room in Calistoga.
- An Oscars party hosted by Rich and Leslie Frank with 20 of your closest friends at Michael Chiarello’s Ottimo in Yountville, where he’ll do the cooking and both Frank Family and Chiarello Family Wines will flow.
Thanks to the compassionate donors and supporters, the 13th Annual Gala was a tremendous success, setting a new gala record of over $740,000 for hospice, palliative, and Alzheimer’s care, and a range of other services for the most seriously ill in the Napa Valley community.
“Collabria Care was once again blessed to have the support of incredible Honorary Chairs. We want to extend a very special thanks to Rich and Leslie Frank, for their exceptional vision, support and generosity, which made for such a memorable evening. Through their magnificent auction lots, spirited bidding, doubling fund-a-need bids and most importantly the tender words they shared about Collabria Care, we were awed by their generous spirits,” says McConnehey.
Since its founding in 1979, Collabria Care (formerly known as Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services) has become one of the most beloved nonprofits in Napa County, having provided end-of-life care for so many in the community. For additional information about Collabria Care and to discover other ways to give, please visit: collabriacare.org.
Photos courtesy of Jason Tinacci
