As we mingled and admired the incredible array of fine rare wines on display at the fourth annual Pacific Coast Wine Festival, there was little evidence of a recession as bidders went bonkers over the cache, both silent and live.
The event succeeded in netting more than $150,000 for Pacific Symphony’s artistic and education programs ($10,000 more than last year!). The sold-out event was held at the elegant Island Hotel in Newport Beach, welcomed approximately 280 attendees, who arrived in glitzy cocktail attire to enjoy a lavish dinner and taste, sample and acquire some of the world’s most desired wines and one-of-a-kind gifts and experiences.
Symphony board member Nancy Kelley and Kim Kelley served as honorary co-chairs of the event. As guests dined, a quintet of Pacific Symphony Wind Ensemble members entertained and the evening culminated with an exciting live auction, featuring some of the finest wines and auction lots in the United States, led by charismatic and efficient auctioneer Fred Northrup of Stokes Auction Group.
The Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, is the largest orchestra formed in the United States in the last 40 years, and has played a central role in the phenomenal growth of the performing arts in Orange County. Presenting more than 100 concerts a year and a rich array of education and community programs, the Symphony touches more than 275,000 Orange County residents—from schoolchildren to senior citizens and everyone in between.
Photos by Doug Gifford
