Thank you!
More than 300 people gathered on Monday, November 5 at Yoshi’s San Francisco for Catholic Charities CYO’s inaugural Hope Uncorked, a special evening of wine, music and celebration, benefiting Bay Area kids in need. For the last 15 years, Catholic Charities CYO supporters and friends have joined together every fall in the spirit of philanthropy for the annual Vincenzo Wine Tasting and Auction. In an effort to broaden the event’s reach in its 16th year, the organization approached the tradition differently.
“This year, we re-visioned our annual gathering and offered a more intimate, informal affair with Hope Uncorked,” said event co-chair, Stephen Molinelli. “We honored the Vincenzo history and carried on the tradition of raising crucial funds to provide clinical and therapeutic support for young boys and girls from difficult circumstances who have been placed in Catholic Charities CYO’s care.”
Guests were inspired by stories from Jeremiah, a youth from St. Vincent’s School for Boys, and Reyna, a 14-year old graduate of the Canal Family Support Services, both located in Marin.
This year’s event was presented by co-chairs Molinelli and Timothy Alan Simon, and the Hope Uncorked Honorary Committee. Local jazz favorites, The Lorca Hart Trio and Grupo Falso Baiano, performed live sets.
All proceeds from this event benefitted at-risk kids at St. Vincent’s School for Boys, San Francisco Boys and Girls Homes, Treasure Island Child Development Center, Canal Family Support Program, Maureen and Craig Sullivan Youth Services, and CYO camps.
“Through the six programs we are supporting here tonight, Catholic Charities CYO is on the front lines 24/7, giving voice to the voiceless, helping kids get the care and resources they need to grow, and ending the abuse and neglect that is the harshest face of poverty,” said Jeff Bialik, Executive Director of Catholic Charities CYO, as he addressed the audience. “We are grateful for the generosity of our event sponsors, vendors and in-kind donors, as well as everyone who came out to celebrate our efforts. None of our work is possible without your support.”
Nearly 30 wineries poured wines for tasting, including ZD Wines, Quady Winery, Prophet Wine, Ladera, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Handley Cellars and more. The exciting live auction lead by George Noceti, included sought-after items including a five-night adventure for two to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, a vacation getaway in Cancun, Mexico, a four-night golf trip to Scottsdale, Ariz., and trips to Las Vegas and Stinson Beach. More than 20 silent auction items were available to benefit Catholic Charities CYO programs.