LAKE COUNTY – Nonprofit organizations and agencies in Lake County are invited to apply for proceeds from the 2008 Lake County Wine Auction.

The ninth annual event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Buckingham Golf & Country Club.

The Lake County Wine Alliance, presenters of the gala, has contributed $621,502 in proceeds from the charity benefit held annually since 2000.

The charter of the Wine Alliance directs its efforts to foster the arts, benefit health services, and support the community, while promoting Lake County as premier grape growing and fine wine region.

The deadline to apply for funds is March 1.

A total of $91,500 from the 2007 Wine Auction was presented to 16 nonprofit organizations, high schools and senior centers, recognizing programs that benefit the arts, health, and community of Lake County.

Congressman Mike Thompson will chair this year’s gala, with assistance from Archie McLaren and Jed Steele as auctioneers.

McLaren, founder and chairman of the Central Coast Wine Classic, made his debut last year at the local event. Steele, owner and winemaker for Steele Wines of Kelseyville, is a favorite wine authority at the event.

The Wine Alliance board of directors has confirmed the participation of Chef John Ash to present a cooking demonstration with lunch on Friday, Sept. 19, preceding the auction itself.

Several Lake County wineries are being invited to host winemaker dinners that evening. Other special activities are being added to the popular fundraising event.

Members of the Wine Alliance board include Margaret Walker, president; Marie Beery, vice president; Pamela Shine-Duncan, secretary; Rob Roumiguiere, treasurer; and Jim Fetzer, Judy Luchsinger, Wilda Shock, and Janet Thompson.

Prospective applicants may secure forms from Judy Luchsinger, chair of the Beneficiaries committee, via email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or telephone, 263-3280. The Wine Alliance may be contacted by phone, 866-279-WINE, or by mail to P.O. Box 530, Kelseyville, CA 95451.

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