A Legacy of Gratitude!
We raised a record-breaking $2.3 million for groundbreaking pediatric research and care at the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics and M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, proving that when our community comes together, we create a legacy that will change lives for generations. It was a vintage year for philanthropy, and we are profoundly grateful to everyone who helped us reach this incredible milestone!
A Record-Breaking Harvest for WineFest No. 29—A Toast to Children’s Health
The strength of a legacy is measured by the lives it touches. This year, your collective generosity allowed us to pour out an unprecedented level of support—raising a record $2.3 million for pediatric research and care.
This incredible milestone was made possible by the early momentum of our lead donors: Honorary Chairs Michael & Mia Jordan, Blythe Brenden-Mann Foundation, and The Simpson Family, who each opened the evening with a generous $100,000 gift. We are also profoundly grateful to Minnesota Masonic Charities for their extraordinary $250,000 matching donation, which challenged us all to reach higher.
As Dan Born, a grateful father and our Fine Wine Dinner speaker, so eloquently shared:
“Legacy. When we hear the word ‘legacy’, we often think about what we leave behind. But I think ‘legacy’ is also about what we choose to build while we are here. That is what the University of Minnesota is doing. They are not just studying disease. They are changing lives. They are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.” Learn more about Helen's Pink Sky Foundation.
Northbound HWY 29, by Nancy Willis
A Toast to Our Visionaries:
Our deepest gratitude goes to our Honorary Chairs, Michael and Mia Jordan. Your leadership was the pinnacle of this year’s success, providing the foundation that allowed our mission to shine. Because of your dedication, we were able to cast a brilliant spotlight on the critical medical research and care.
We also wish to celebrate our stellar Honorary Winemasters from Highway 29, the Napa Valley Vintners Association, and our generous Sponsors who made this weekend possible. Additionally, we want to recognize the steadfast leadership of our WineFest Advisory Committee, the Emcees, the Restaurants and Distributors, and our Distinguished Award Recipients, whose commitment to children’s health is truly vintage quality. Discover the visionaries who have refined WineFest No. 29 into a masterpiece.
Award Recipients recognized at Grand Tasting
- 100 Point Insignia Award: Joseph P. Neglia, MD, MPH
- “Alfie” Industry Icon Award: Paustis Wine Company
- "Jack Riebel" Chef of the Fest: 98 Hawaiian Grill
Award Recipients recognized at Fine Wine Dinner
Imagine Award: Lead the Way Foundation, founded by Chad and Jenni Greenway
Corporate Citizen Award: Huntington Bank
Ambassador Award: Rebound Club, founded by Jack and Sam Hetherington
Our Shared Future
To our supporters: you are the heart of this shared legacy. Whether through groundbreaking research or innovative care, the notes of your philanthropy will be felt by families for years to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are building something that—much like the finest wine—only grows more precious with time.
See you at WineFest No. 30—A Toast To Children’s Health. Cheers!
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