THE SCENE: Auction Napa Valley

But the most heartfelt lot of the day was the one with no tangible prize – the Fund a Need Lot 24 -which helps provide for children’s health and wellness programs in Napa. Carrying balloons and cupcakes for a high stakes bake sale were 25 children, all of whom benefitted from the funding. Taking the stage with the youngsters were the 2011 Auction Napa Valley honorary chairs, led by Koerner Rombauer. A total of 132 bidders brought in a sum of $1.1 million, which included five $100,000 bids.

In addition to the auction, a family-style dinner inspired by Napa Valley Chef Michael Chiarello’s Italian heritage made for a memorable culinary experience, then dancing under the tent as fireworks flashed across the sky.

The highlight of this year’s auction was knowing, even before the auction began, that this would be the year the Napa Valley Vintners would exceed the milestone in giving $100 million to the community for healthcare, youth service and affordable housing non-profit programs in Napa County.