The Second Annual Wine and Dine with the Earthquakes took place on Sunday, July 28 was held at Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill. Attended by players, coaching staff and over 150 fans, the event benefitted the Quakes Community Fund. This event eclipsed last year’s fundraising total, bringing in $40,000 through a live auction, silent auction and raffle.
Guests enjoyed appetizers including Tuscan Crostini, Mediterranean Tuna Tar Tar, Osso Bucco Bites and Oaxacan Corn Fritters and a selection of Guglielmo Private Reserve wines for tastings. Quakes celebrity bartended and poured Guglielmo’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Zinfandel, 2009 Sangiovese, 2012 Rosatello, 2012 Pinot Grigio and 2010 Chardonnay.
New to this year’s event was a silent auction, which included autographed Earthquakes canvas prints, a San Jose Sharks Brent Burns autographed jersey, a Golden State Warriors team-signed basketball, golf outings at Silver Creek Valley Country Club and private tours and tastings at wineries in Napa and Saratoga. These items raised a total of $6,000 for the Earthquakes Community Fund.
For the second year in a row, Quakes President Dave Kaval presided over the ceremonies with assistance from General Manager John Doyle. As the attendees were treated to a gourmet buffet dinner provided by Earthquakes VIP caterers, Cosmopolitan Catering, Kaval and Doyle delivered speeches and recognized numerous players for their continued involvement within the community. The live auction and raffle came next and was a booming success - raising over $31,000.
While Chris Wondolowski was unable to attend, his presence was still felt during the live auction. One of the most sought-after items of the auction was Wondolowski’s autographed US Men’s National Team Jersey, complete with a third “W” pressed to the inside of the jersey – which sold for a winning bid of $3,500.
Other popular items included Jon Busch’s game worn boots and gloves from the California Clasico, which were personalized with Navy SEAL patches; as well as a canvas print depicting Shea Salinas, Justin Morrow, and Sam Cronin celebrating Alan Gordon’s game winning goal during California Clasico this season. Prior to the opening bid, all three players were invited up to sign the canvas and recreate that moment for everyone in attendance.
The last event of the evening was the grape stomp, which took place on the back of a flatbed vintage Chevy truck. The three lucky winners of this item were able to choose a player to assist them in the winemaking process. Dan Gargan, Justin Morrow, and Marcus Tracy were the chosen participants with Gargan being the sole player chosen to roll up his pants and stomp the grapes. After 45 seconds of stomping, Tracy and his partner had collected the most juice, resulting in his partner winning a team-signed jersey for her efforts.
All proceeds from the event benefited the Earthquakes Community Fund. A certified 501(c)3 charity, the San Jose Earthquakes Community Fund facilitates and supports programs that produce positive change for children and families in our community with an emphasis on health and fitness.
The San Jose Earthquakes would like to thank the following businesses for their support:
- Addison-Penzak JCC
- Adidas
- Alaska Airlines
- Ariat International
- Aqui’s Cal-Mex
- Ballet San Jose
- Benefit Cosmetics
- Black Stallion Estate Winery
- Byington Winery
- California’s Great America
- Citti’s Florist
- Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
- Cosmopolitan Catering
- El Pollo Loco
- The Fairmont San Jose
- Fletcher-Jones Motorcars, Porsche of Fremont
- Franco Uomo
- Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too!
- Golden State Warriors
- Guglielmo Winery
- The Hilton San Jose
- Hobee’s California Restaurants
- Hotel De Anza
- Il Fornaio
- Jamba Juice
- LB Steak
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Mondo Burrito
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Oakland Athletics
- Plumed Horse
- Poor House Bistro
- PremiereScan
- Restaurant James Randall
- San Francisco 49ers
- San Francisco Giants
- San Jose Sharks
- Santana Row
- Savannah-Channelle Vineyards
- Silver Creek Valley Country Club
- TRX
- Western Athletic Clubs: Courtside Pacific Sports Resort
- Winchester Mystery House
- Ziba Restaurant
