LAKE COUNTY, CA. — Five high schools, five youth oriented programs and 13 other nonprofit organizations will share the $96,500 raised this year from September’s Lake County Wine Auction. The funds were distributed the evening of December 11, 2014  during a festive reception for beneficiaries and sponsors at the Lakeport Family Fun Center.

Once again, education was the emphasis. “Our commitment to this critical area will ensure that Lake County grows as a strong and healthy community for the next generation.” said Kaj Ahlmann, President of the Lake County Wine Alliance.

The Wine Alliance, is a non profit organization of wineries, wine grape growers, vineyard owners, related businesses and community supporters and sponsor of the Wine Auction. Since it’s founding in 2000, the Wine Alliance has raised $1,177,802 to foster the arts, benefit health services and otherwise support the Lake County community. Applications are now being accepted for proceeds from the next year’s auction, to be held on September 20, 2015, with copies available at the auctions website www.WineAlliance.Org

The 2014 Auction, the fifteenth, took place at the Cole Creek Equestrian Center in Kelseyville, a special venue which contributed not only to successful fundraising but also to the promotion of Lake County as not only a premier wine region but also a community of diverse agriculture.

The Honorary Chairs for the 2014’s Wine Auction were John and Joanne VanEck, the owners of Cole Creek Equestrian. They  were assisted by committee co-chairs Judy Luchsinger of Lakeport and Sharron Zoller of Kelseyville.