A recent charity auction hosted by two grocery retailers garnered critical funds for research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope.

The fifth annual Wine Dinner and Charity Auction raised $235,000, thanks to advertising space donated by hosts Albertsons and Bristol Farms that was up for bid. About 60 guests, including prominent food industry suppliers and manufacturers, attended the August event at the Bristol Farms store in Newport Beach, Calif.

The highlight of the Southern California Food Industries Circle’s yearly fundraising initiative for City of Hope, the auction has brought in almost $1 million since its inception in 2005.

“This is a wonderful annual tradition, galvanizing our industry to help bring hope to people suffering from life-threatening disease,” said Tammy Brusseau, president of the Food Industries Circle.

Pat Posey, vice president of advertising at Bristol Farms, added: “Illnesses like cancer and diabetes take too many lives in our community. Supporting City of Hope is one great way we fight back.”