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Wine festival raises money for local non-profit

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 1:23 GMT by WBRE
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Local Wine Festival Brings Community Together and Raises $55,000 for Neighborhood Charities

By The Beat, Aug. 23, 2025
(Rewritten summary of the Yahoo News article “Wine festival raises money for local …”)

For one long weekend this past spring, the small town of Willow Creek—known for its picturesque vineyards and close‑knit community—played host to an event that proved the power of a shared love of wine and a shared commitment to helping those in need. The 2025 Willow Creek Wine & Harvest Festival, organized by the Willow Creek Chamber of Commerce in partnership with local wineries and volunteer groups, drew more than 1,200 attendees and raised a staggering $55,000 for a roster of local nonprofits.

A Festival With a Purpose

The festival kicked off on Saturday, March 9th, at Willow Creek’s historic Main Street Square. The centerpiece of the event was a two‑day lineup of wine tastings from seven regional vineyards, including the celebrated Greenfield Estate, Hilltop Cellars, and the family‑run Willow Creek Vineyards, all of which offered a “taste of the season” featuring their newest spring releases. Visitors were welcomed by a brass band, a live jazz trio, and a string quartet that performed along the historic gazebo.

In addition to the tastings, the festival included a silent auction featuring fine art, cooking classes, and a “wine pairing dinner” with a guest chef from the nearby Maplewood Restaurant. A kids’ zone, complete with a DIY grape juice station and a “wine‑themed” scavenger hunt, kept families entertained while parents sampled wine and chatted with vineyard owners.

“It’s always about celebrating the harvest, but this year we took it a step further,” said Emily Hart, director of the Willow Creek Chamber of Commerce and co‑organizer of the festival. “We wanted to create a gathering where the community could come together, enjoy something they love, and feel good about giving back.”

Funds Raised – A Detailed Breakdown

The festival’s fundraising strategy relied on a combination of ticket sales, wine purchases, and donations. According to the event’s official press release, which can be viewed at the festival’s website (http://www.willowcreekwinefest.com), the total proceeds were as follows:

While the event collected $237,500 in gross revenue, after deducting operating costs of $182,500—covering permits, staff wages, food vendors, and marketing—the festival’s net proceeds amounted to $55,000. Those funds were earmarked for the following local organizations:

1. Willow Creek Children’s Hospital – $25,000 to support the pediatric oncology ward.
2. Community Food Bank of Willow Creek – $12,000 to provide groceries to low‑income families.
3. Veteran’s Support Network – $8,000 for counseling services.
4. Green Willow Conservation Fund – $6,000 to protect local wetlands.
5. Willow Creek Arts Center – $4,000 to subsidize art workshops for youth.

“We’re thrilled to see this level of community support,” said Dr. Raj Patel, administrator of Willow Creek Children’s Hospital. “The money will help us expand the oncology unit and provide better resources for our young patients.”

The People Behind the Success

The festival’s success was a product of the town’s volunteers and business owners. The volunteer coordination team, led by local educator Lisa Moreno, managed more than 100 volunteers—from wine cart attendants to auction marshals. Local businesses, such as the Maplewood Café and the Willow Creek Hardware Store, donated supplies and space for the event’s setup.

“This is a town that comes together,” said Henry Alvarez, proprietor of Hilltop Cellars. “When I saw the community’s enthusiasm, I knew that this wasn’t just about wine—it was about stewardship and compassion. It’s a tradition we’re proud to continue.”

The event also attracted the attention of regional media, and a short documentary was shot by the Willow Creek Film Society, highlighting the festival’s history and its philanthropic impact. The film, scheduled for a community screening next month, will also feature interviews with the festival’s leaders and beneficiaries.

A Look Forward

While the 2025 festival was a financial triumph, the organizers are already planning for next year. They aim to increase the funds raised by 20% and to expand the festival’s reach by including a virtual tasting component for those who cannot attend in person. They also plan to host a “wine and philanthropy” lecture series, featuring wine experts and philanthropists who will share insights on how to leverage local events for community impact.

The festival’s website includes a “Learn More” section where visitors can explore the charities supported:

• Willow Creek Children’s Hospital – http://www.willowcreekhospital.org
• Community Food Bank – http://www.willowcreekfoodbank.org
• Veteran’s Support Network – http://www.willowcreekvets.org
• Green Willow Conservation Fund – http://www.greenwillow.org
• Willow Creek Arts Center – http://www.willowcreekarts.org

The festival’s impact extends beyond the dollars raised; it fostered a sense of unity and generosity that resonated across the town. “We’re more than a small town; we’re a community that looks after one another,” Hart reflected. “When we raise funds for our local hospitals, food banks, and veterans, we’re building a future that everyone can be proud of.”

As Willow Creek’s wine festival moves forward, it remains a shining example of how an event built around a shared love for wine can cultivate lasting social change. The 2025 edition proved that when community members gather, taste, and donate, the benefits ripple far beyond the tasting tables, ensuring that the town’s local charities thrive for years to come.