by Heather Olinto

More than 500 food- and wine-lovers showed their discriminating palates and generosity at the 13th annual Taste of Hope on Feb. 24. City of Hope’s Northern California Food Industries Circle (NCFIC) drew unprecedented participation and raised a record-breaking $108,000 for research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope.

Event participants Jeff Janisse, left, and Patrick Jalpert peruse the wine selection at Taste of Hope. (Photo by Nick Garcia)

The event, which took place in Pleasanton, Calif., featured 16 tasting stations that paired wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages with delicacies from popular local restaurants. A silent auction gave attendees a chance to bid on rare and unique wines, wine country vacations, gift baskets and other valuables.

Volunteers from major Northern California retailers such as BevMo!, Costco, Cost Plus, Draeger’s, Raley’s, Safeway and Save Mart Supermarkets donated their time to host tasting stations. The volunteers also competed for tips from attendees, which provided additional funds toward the event’s success.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the lifesaving work of researchers at City of Hope,” said Hank Gilman, an integral member of the Taste of Hope committee and sales manager at Southern Wine & Spirits. “On behalf of the committee members, we appreciate everyone’s participation, support and dedication to the success of Taste of Hope.”

Established in 1978, the NCFIC comprises regional retailers, brokers, manufacturers and related vendors who support City of Hope’s humanitarian mission. The group has raised over $31 million since its inception, making this industry alliance one of the leading fundraising groups in the area.