Community Event Raises Funds and Awareness to Fight Disease
NAPA, Calif. (May 6, 2019) – Kerrin Laz, founder and proprietor of the K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION, announced today that the second annual Inspire Napa Valley raised over $1.2 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association, including over $750,000 raised in the room during the Live Auction and paddle raise. The spirited and inspiring Napa Valley event brought together wine industry leaders and enthusiasts to raise awareness and funds to support Alzheimer’s Association research, care and support programs for families affected by the disease in Northern California and across the country.
“It is humbling to see so many of my peers and friends in this close knit community come together to help support this very important cause that affects so many people,” said Inspire Napa Valley founder Kerrin Laz. “After my mother’s diagnosis, I felt inspired to take action and I look forward to continuing my passionate effort to help as many people as I can who have been affected by Alzheimer’s.”
Co-chaired by Bettina Bryant and presented by Bryant Estate, this year’s Inspire Napa Valley offered a unique opportunity to experience exclusive wine tastings from prestigious wineries in Napa Valley. The VIP weekend began with an intimate Oakville Neighborhood Block Party on Friday at Rudd Estate’s vineyard, with legendary Napa Valley winemakers and vintners cooking for the guests. Alongside Rudd, Oakville wineries Dalla Valle Vineyards, Futo Estate, Screaming Eagle and Vine Hill Ranch shared their wines with guests. Saturday morning commenced with a special wine tasting experience at The Napa Valley Reserve moderated by Vinous Founder Antonio Galloni, featuring exceptional wines chosen by distinguished wine industry panelists. The panelists included Ray Isle (Food & Wine magazine’s executive wine editor), Andy Erickson (winemaker/vintner of Favia Wines along with nine other renowned wineries), Remi Cohen (COO and viticulturist at Cliff Lede Vineyards) and Robin Daniel Lail (Founder & Owner, Lail Vineyards). The program included an update and Q&A session on Alzheimer’s research from Dr. Maria Carrillo, Chief Science Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association.
The event continued Saturday afternoon at The Estate Yountville with a walk-around wine tasting featuring more than 35 of the most legendary wineries in California including BOND, Bryant Estate, Continuum Estate, Harlan Estate, Maybach, Promontory, Realm Cellars, and more. Saturday evening included a seated dinner, live auction, paddle raise, and an after party with live entertainment and specialty cocktails by Charbay, Distillery No. 209 and Savage and Cooke. The event concluded on Sunday with a VIP brunch at Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc + Addendum, featuring fried chicken and waffles, seasonal fare, mimosas, and Bloody Mary bar.
For more information, please visit www.inspirenapavalley.org.
About Inspire Napa Valley
Founded in 2016 by Kerrin Laz, Inspire Napa Valley (INV) is committed to inspiring change in the Napa Valley by bringing wine enthusiasts and industry leaders together to advance research to end Alzheimer’s and dementia and enhance care for those living with the disease. INV raises critical funds to help families in Northern California struggling with Alzheimer’s care, and it will help fund cutting-edge research nationwide. For more information, visit inspirenapavalley.org.
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
