Collabria Care celebrated the past and toasted the future at its tenth annual benefit gala, held at Castello di Amorosa on September 9, 2016. The honorary chairs, KR and Laura Rombauer, perfectly embodied the evening’s theme, as they represent the second generation of the Rombauer family to hold the evening’s most celebrated title. Koerner Rombauer, KR’s father, was the first gala’s honorary chair a decade ago.
During the event, KR Rombauer mentioned two specific experiences with Collabria Care that “put a tattoo on heart.” Both times his family was touched by the agency’s services, he says, “Collabria Hospice descended upon us like angels and helped us make sense of what was going on.” Noting that with the varied services the agency provides – Alzheimer’s services, Palliative Services, as well as end-of-life services – KR says, “nearly everyone will be touched by Collabria Care at some point. It’s a gift.”
The evening was full of festive cheer. Live and silent auction lots included a fabulous selection of desirable wines, vacations, and unique experiences. Notable lots included a private round-trip jet flight to San Diego along with accommodations and a multi-day deep-sea fishing experience for 4; lunch with some of Napa Valley’s “Leading Ladies”; and the Joy of Wine Rombauer experience lot that allows three couples an insider’s view of Napa Valley as they enjoy 2 days of vineyard and wine experiences, participate in the custom blend of a barrel of premium Rombauer wine, plus select 9 additional cases of Rombauer wine to enliven their home wine cellars.
Dario Sattui hosted a pre-party September 8 for a select group of individuals, including high bidders from pervious galas. There, he jovially encouraged attendees to prepare to bid against their friends in order to raise as much money as possible to support Collabria Care.
The annual benefit gala is the single largest fundraising event the nonprofit agency holds. This year, Collabria Care raised a grand total of $574,000 to support its programming. Special focus was given to the agency’s hospice services; the highlighted fund-a-need portion of the evening featured a poignant video chronicling the story of hospice patient Kathy Susan. Fund-a-need donations totaled $274,000, which includes a generous $100,000 match from the Napa Valley Vintners Association. “The generosity of this community and the loving support of the individuals at this event are proof of what a special place to live we all have in the Napa Valley,” says Linda Gibson, Collabria Care President & CEO. “The money raised from this event allows us to continue to provide critical services to our community, during periods of life that are both vulnerable and sacred. We are ever grateful for the support.”