The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar’s recent MAUI STRONG fundraiser on September 17 at its Newport Beach location resulted in a donation of $70,000 to the Maui Strong Fund. Guests were invited to attend a daytime “Maui Strong Tasting Event” and an evening “Taste of Hawaii Dinner,” both supporting relief efforts through the Maui Strong Fund, organized by the Hawai’i Community Foundation and committed to distributing 100% of funds donated to local aid groups who are responding to community needs.
“The Winery has hosted many fundraising events, but this is the first one that our team organized on its own. Many of us have a personal connection to Maui, and that is what made it so special,” comments JC Clow, Founding Partner at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, who revealed that his restaurants have now raised approximately $671,800 to date for various charities. “I am blown away by the show of support from our loyal friends and many sponsors – it is because of their generosity that we will donate $70,000 to the Maui Strong Fund. We will also make a direct donation to assist in rebuilding to Kayci Thompson, a Lahaina resident who flew in to share her story after losing everything in the fires in Maui.”
Guests of the daytime tasting event experienced the flavors of Maui with libations featuring Hawaiian spirits Koloa Rum, Pau Maui Vodka, and Meili Vodka, as well as Teremana Tequila, Kona Brewing Company, Nutrl Hard Seltzers, and Happy Dad Seltzers. In addition, Executive Chef Yvon Goetz and his culinary team hosted Island-inspired bites featuring Melissa’s Produce, Anderson Seafood, Newport Meat Company, and Sysco. Lokelani’s Rhythm of the Islands treated the crowd to lively traditional dance.
Leading a live auction of exclusive experiences was noted television and radio personality Roger Lodge, who was able to get top dollar for unique experiences provided by the Los Angeles Angels, Martin Ray Wineryin Sonoma County, Halter Ranch Vineyards in Paso Robles, DAOU Family Vineyards in Paso Robles, The Winery Restaurant Newport Beach, Balboa Bay Resort, Pelican Hill Golf Club; Wyland, Ferrari, The Westin South Coast Plaza, Lokelani’s R.O.T.I., and Cariloha.
