News Story Detail

From an unexpected philanthropy award presentation to the announcement of a new program, a chart-topping live auction and the debut of a new app, NorthBay Health Foundation’s Open That Bottle Night on Feb. 11 was jam-packed with surprises.

More than 700 people turned out for what may have been Solano County’s largest fundraiser ever at the sparkling Sunrise Event Center in Vacaville.

NorthBay Health Foundation used the opportunity to thank its largest sponsors, donors and vendors of the Solano Wine & Food Jubilee for supporting NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement programs for the past 30 years.

At center stage were Al and Patt Shaw, recipients of the Spirit of Philanthropy award, whose generous gifts in the past decade have fueled NorthBay’s Dream of a Lifetime program, Hospice & Bereavement programs and most recently, a Cuddle Cot for grieving parents who have lost newborns.

In fact, just minutes before they were presented the award, Al was on his feet offering $10,000 to support a new “Mission to Serve” program to further Hospice & Bereavement’s quest to earn its fourth star in the “We Honor Veterans” program.

“Mission to Serve” will provide scholarships and services for veterans who cannot afford hospice care during this, their last battle, explained Ed Lowe, executive director of Health at Home, Hospice and Bereavement.

Ed got the ball rolling by announcing that the Lowe family would donate $10,000. It was followed by a $10,000 donation from Foundation Board Member Stanley Davis and another from Al and Patt Shaw. Many in the room followed suit, donating what they could. When all was said and done, the tally was $53,000 for the new program. And that was just part of the $173,000 raised during the evening.

Saturday’s presentation was only the second time the Foundation has bestowed a Spirit of Philanthropy Award. In 2016, it was given to Heidi Campini for the contributions she and her husband, Jim Lawrenz, made through the years. Jim was president of NorthBay Health Foundation when he lost his battle with cancer in 2013.

Al and Patt were overwhelmed to learn they had been recognized for the award. “We only thought we were coming here tonight to enjoy some food and a little wine,” Al said, admitting they were completely surprised, but thoroughly honored.

“What a great night for NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement and what a special night for the Shaws,” Patt noted. “Thank you all so very, very much for letting us be a part of the ever-growing NorthBay organization and family.”

It was just one of many surprises scattered throughout the elegant evening, which included a pre-party wine tasting, featuring local varietals and tasty treats. The menu, prepared by Merchant & Main’s Bob Tooke, featured locally celebrated, nostalgic fare from the heyday of Vacaville’s famous Nut Tree restaurant, which closed in 1996.

Entertainment — for the second time in two years — was provided by nationally acclaimed performance artist David Garibaldi, with musical accompaniment by original Papa Roach drummer David Buckner. As the audience watched, Garibaldi would splatter a canvas, adding a swoop here, embellishment there, until inspired strokes turned into three amazing portraits — one of Marilyn Monroe, one of the Statue of Liberty, and one a tribute to the late Jim Lawrenz.

Next on the agenda was a spirited Live Auction, featuring more than a dozen exotic vacation and golf packages, tickets to sporting events, instant wine cellars and unique wine bottling experiences.  

“To see a community come together in such a big way is rare,” noted Bill Seiden, Jubilee committee chairman and Foundation board member, “To see the impact you can make on a community is a wonderful thing,” he added, before inviting all to join the Foundation at the 30th annual Solano Wine & Food Jubilee on May 20.