Cheers to Greatness!

By Emily Ostrowski

If you are a lover of fine wine and supporting your community, the Classic Wines Auction (CWA) just might be one of your new favorite nonprofits.

The Classic Wines Auction is an annual event that features wine and food tastings, entertainment, a silent auction featuring mobile bidding, and an exhilarating live auction with a gourmet, five-course dinner.

CWA is preparing for its 31st annual auction on March 7th, and YWCA Clark County is honored to be among one of their charity partners. YWCA and CWA have been partners since 2008, and YWCA has benefited immensely from CWA’s vast resources and fundraising expertise, with anywhere from 30 to 50 percent of our annual private donations coming from the Auction.

YWCA Director of Philanthropy Kate Sacamano, recognizes the many advantages of partnering with a highly regarded fundraising organization. “Partnering with other well-respected nonprofits is a great learning experience, and we support each other throughout the process. There are no other events that offer the same marketing exposure, target audience, and results that CWA does. We (YWCA) are able to share our mission with and generate support from a much broader audience.”

Sacamano also acknowledges that partnering with CWA alleviates a substantial amount of the financial burden that comes with putting on an auction all on our own, which YWCA did until partnering with CWA.

“The resources needed to host an event of this magnitude would be more than we could manage. We benefit from their expertise and full time focus on obtaining and retaining major sponsors, and are happy to share responsibilities rather than carry the burden on our own.”


Heather Martin, Executive Director of CWA, is equally pleased to be partnered with YWCA.

"YWCA Clark County is a wonderful organization that is doing incredible and necessary work in Clark County. When we made the strategic decision to engage a charity partner in SW Washington back in 2007, YWCA was at the top of that list as a strong organization that attracts community support and provides a range of services to children and families that are not replicated by other agencies. YWCA has a strong reputation, committed and talented staff, and makes a meaningful impact in the community.”

Since joining CWA in 2004, Martin has strived to innovatively and collaboratively work with CWA’s charity partners to achieve fundraising and marketing successes that would be impossible to reach if each organization worked alone. CWA offers their charity partners unrestricted funding opportunities and increased visibility, without putting a strain on their individual resources.

As for the Auction itself, Martin and those at CWA aim to “transport” their guests for the evening with fine food and wine, the chance to bid on unique goods and exotic trips, and offer attendees an overall elevated and sophisticated experience.

Martin acknowledges this unique event would not be possible without all the sponsors, guests, charity partners, and volunteers who make the night what it is. CWA is especially thankful for Vancouver-based Kuni Automotive and Greg Goodwin for their ongoing support and role as Presenting Sponsor.
Sacamano, who has previously attended the Auction and plans to be there this year as a staff volunteer, is already looking forward to the event. “I have previously attended twice as a guest and really enjoyed the entire experience. I was especially moved by the generosity of the philanthropists in the room, and the generosity of those who donate auction items. I also really enjoy the exceptional food and wine. The entire experience is very unique and memorable.”

If you would like to attend this year’s Classic Wines Auction on Saturday, March 7th at the Oregon Convention Center click here to purchase tickets while they are still available. You can also visit CWA’s website to donate or volunteer at this year’s Auction.