27 APR 2016

Jubilee Chock Full of Surprises



The venue was elegant and the crowd was definitely dressed to match. Those lucky enough to score a ticket for the 29th Solano Wine & Food Jubilee were treated to an opulent evening of plentiful food, wine, brews and raffle-winning festivities at the Sunrise Event Center in Vacaville on Saturday, April 23.

And, even though the grand prize winner wasn’t actually at the Jubilee, Lydia Abad, executive assistant to Elnora Cameron, learned she won the brand new car about 15 seconds after her ticket was pulled, when Sylvia Spanos, executive assistant to Gary Passama, called her at home. 

Lydia now has the happy task of selecting either a 2016 Buick Encore, Nissan Altima or Hyundai Sonata, donated by Rami Yanni, general manager of the Vacaville dealerships. Was Lydia in disbelief at hearing the news? Rami got on the phone to confirm that it was all true.

The recently opened Sunrise Event Center was filled to capacity at Saturday’s event, as about 1,500 ticketholders were served an array of tasty bites and sips from 65 vendors.

Hurley’s of Yountville always draws a crowd, and this year was no different as Chef Bob Hurley doled out cups of polenta topped with wild boar and onion rings. Rubio’s was another popular stop on the tasting trail, as staff handed out shrimp tacos. Other vendors offered salads, pastas, cheesecake bites and flavored olive oils. Wineries poured their award-winning best, as did several craft brewers.

This was the second year the Jubilee was held on a Saturday, but the first year for the Sunrise Event Center in Vacaville. An informal survey of both ticketholders and vendors indicated the venue was a big hit.

Vendors were also pleased with the turnout and the response to their samples. “We’re having so much fun,” said Lyndsey Gilpin of Back Door Bistro, “and the venue is beautiful!”

In addition to all the food and beverage tastings, ticket-holders were able to browse among items in the silent auction, and then move into the VIP section to dance to Rhythm Method 4.
The evening could not have happened without the tireless work of many volunteers, noted Jane Hilliard, director of Volunteer Services. Many, many volunteers signed up to help Sunrise Event Center staff set up, serve and tear down tables, chairs, displays and more.

Although raffle, silent auction and ticket sales numbers are still being tallied, all signs indicate it was another successful event, according to Brett Johnson, president of NorthBay Healthcare Foundation.

“Our 29th Annual Wine & Food Jubilee was a great success due to the ongoing enthusiastic support of our community,” noted Bill Seiden, Jubilee committee chairman and NorthBay Healthcare Foundation board member. “We thank all who bought tickets, donated auction items and became sponsors.”

More than 20 ticketholders were winners in Jubilee Cash Raffle. Winning $125 were Kevin Parkhurst, Cheryl Anderson, Peter Vessels, Alex Hazel, Mabrey Scott, Juan Garcia-Flores, Ed Lowe, Connie Martinez, Anna Stusinski, Margaret Johnson, Teresa Hodges and Craig Bryan. Winning $500 were Stephen Lawrence, Ernie McLevis, Brian Wills, Francie Bryan, Jeanette Demma, Anna Stusinski, Leslie Derrico, Darrin Berardi, Margaret Johnson and Steve Shaw. Annette Abrao won $1,000 and Pat and Leanne Pearson won $2,500.

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