Prestigious Wine Auction, WineaPAWlooza, Raises $1.3 Million for Napa Valley-based Animal Rescue

Napa, CA, July 31, 2017 -- Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch (JARR), a world-class animal rescue organization that exemplifies the values of quality, commitment, and generosity of the Napa Valley, raised $1.3 million at its annual wine auction and charitable event, WineaPAWlooza. Held at the Gamble Family Vineyards located in the stunning Napa Valley, the July 29th event far exceeded expectations as acclaimed vintners, and visitors from around the United States teamed up for the cause.

Wine and animal lovers from around the country flew in for this unforgettable night to rub shoulders with the Who's Who of Napa Valley Wine Glitterati paying it forward for animals, and to take pictures with adoptable doggies and farmed animals.  In attendance were many famous Napa Valley vintners and wine-making notables such as: Jason & Flora Chang (Nine Suns), Juan Mercado (Realm), Helen Keplinger & DJ Warner (Keplinger Wines), Kelly Peterson (Switchback Ridge), Russell Bevan & Victoria De Crescenzo (Bevan Cellars), Tom Gamble, Benoit Touquette (Fait-Main Wines), Heather & Bruce Phillips (Vine Hill Ranch), and Tim Mondavi (Continuum) and Carlo Mondavi (Raen).

“Each year I am amazed by the overwhelming generosity of the wine community, our volunteers, and of course our big-hearted guests who journeyed from across the world to join us for this incredible evening for the animals,” said Monica Stevens, co-founder of Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch. “The majority of funds raised help advance our mission of building a world-class, cage-free animal rescue and sanctuary that will provide a legacy of unprecedented resources and care for animals. This educational haven will be open to our community and visitors alike and will serve as a destination and best-practices example for animal advocacy. After tonight, we are well on our way to making this dream a reality.”

The evening included a two-hour grand tasting of the most sought after wines in the valley, a star-studded pet parade, decadent plant-based food offerings and a high-energy live auction led by notable wine auctioneer, Fritz Hatton. The spectacular auction lots were all about luxury and lifestyle and included some of the most unique and sought after wines and wine experiences available in the country.

Chang & Bang,  2 barrels of wine made by 100 point winemaker Russell Bevan and fruit from Houyi Vineyard of Nine Suns  on Pritchard Hill, was on one of the most coveted auction lots of the night raising over $200,000 alone. The auction concluded with the Fund a Need which raised $400,000 for JARR’s Emergency Fund, which helps pay for care for seniors pets, emergency surgeries, spay & neuter, veterinary bills for low-income, homeless and seniors animals and landlord deposits required for animals.

“The Emergency Fund is so important as it has enabled us to do many things in our community revolving around effective and compassionate care for domestic and farmed animals in unexpected or even dire situations.” Added Stevens, “Our ultimate goal is to keep responsible families and their pets together, and proactive and preventative measures go a long way.”

A Sundowner Sportman 3H Slant Bumper Pull trailer was dedicated to the Roth Family of New York during the event for their dedication to animal welfare. The vehicle will be housed in Napa Valley and assist with the emergency rescue of large animals during wildfires, accidents and other natural disasters in collaboration with County of Napa Emergency Services.

About Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch

Founded in June 2014 by David and Monica Stevens (proprietors of 750 Wines), Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch (JARR) is a no-kill rescue and sanctuary in the Napa Valley for companion and farmed animals in need. The nonprofit provides transitional and permanent shelter, adoption and rescue services, humane education, animal advocacy, and is committed to ending animal hunger, cruelty, and overpopulation. JARR also collaborates with and acts as a liaison for various animal rescue groups locally and statewide.

JARR’s vision includes building a state-of-the-art, cage-free animal rescue and sanctuary uniquely serving the physical and emotional needs of all of its companion and farmed animal residents. Renowned architect Howard Backen of Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects and Tim McDonald of Centric Construction are generously leading the building and design team for the Ranch.

Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization. To learn more about the Ranch and how you can help, please visit http://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org.

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Julia Orr, JARR
[email protected]