Despite the resignation of one of its founding fathers, the
South Valley Wine Auction will continue.
Morgan Hill – Despite the resignation of one of its founding fathers, the South Valley Wine Auction will continue.
Jon Hatakeyama, who was instrumental in starting the annual event and has been the guiding force every year since, has pulled out of the event to spend more time with family.
Organizing the huge event, which raises thousands for local school running programs, takes a a considerable amount of time, even with a cadre of devoted volunteers. Hatakeyama decided he could no longer spare those hours.
“I didn’t want to shortchange my family,” he said.
The auction, in it’s ninth year, will go on as planned this year on April 20, with organizers from past years working together to make it happen.
The event will be held at the Community and Cultural Center in the Hiram Morgan Hill room.
This year’s ninth annual South Valley Wine Auction, with its vast array of wines and area restaurants serving a variety of foods, is the latest edition of Hatakeyama’s original idea.
A longtime Morgan Hill dentist and community volunteer, Hatakeyama wanted to help with the growing problem of children needing exercise. His hope was that the funds raised help kids get and stay healthy, avoiding diseases and obesity that often develop from a sedentary lifestyle.
The auction typically brings in more than $30,000 a year. The net proceeds are distributed to local school running programs. Live Oak High School and Sobrato High School track and cross-country programs are big beneficiaries, along with Britton and Martin Murphy middle schools and Morgan Hill Unified School District elementary schools.
The highlight of the evening is typically the silent and live auction featuring approximately 100 items, ranging from exclusive winery tours and fine wines to theater, golf and kayaking packages. Door prizes and raffles are also popular.
Organizers are seeking auction items and event sponsors, and those interested in contributing can visit the event Web site at www.southvalleywineauction.org. Auction items such as group dinners or other event packages are always in demand.
Tickets are $50 in advance, and can be purchased online. At the door, tickets are $60.
