Hospice of Amador & Calaveras 2020 “Celebrate Life” Art Auction a Success!

More than $50,000 raised in first-ever virtual event.

Sept. 30, 2020—Jackson—Hospice of Amador & Calaveras’s 21st Annual “Celebrate Life” Art Auction, held virtually for the first time this year, resulted in a total amount raised of $54,000! The event, streamed on Facebook on Friday, September 18, was recorded live at the lovely Karmere Winery & Vineyard and produced by KVGC.

Event co-hosts Frank Halvorson and Tammy Beilstein (pictured left) took virtual attendees on a tour of this year’s donations from local artists, restaurants and wineries that included unique artisan jewelry, original paintings, food experiences, and more, with the help of long-time Hospice supporter Jim Spinetta of Spinetta Winery & Wildlife Art Gallery.

The top bid this year went to the Ultimate Backyard BBQ experience, donated by Go-Go-Q by Taste Restaurant and Wine Bar, which will provide a party of 20 with a catered three-course BBQ dinner accompanied by libations from Amador Brewery and live music by local favorite, the After Dark Band.

This year’s, “I Stand for Hospice,” portion of the event, which replaced the traditional “Last One Standing” activity, contributed $25,000 in virtual donations that were made leading up to the event and during the event. Special thank you to Merzlak Signs and Jim Spinetta for donating signage for this portion of our event.

This year’s event was also made extra special by KVGC, who sponsored the online auction site fee, keeping expenses to an absolute minimum and allowing every dollar earned to go toward essential core hospice services and programs to the agency’s two-county area of service.

Jim Spinetta and Wendy Mathis 

Executive Director Ariane Debien said, “For a first-ever virtual event, which was our only option in light of COVID-19 protocols, I am absolutely thrilled by, and deeply appreciate the community’s support for this event. It’s been a tough year with so many other fundraisers canceled; the art auction has provided a silver lining to our agency for 2020.”

Thank you to this year’s Premier Sponsors: American Legion Ambulance, American Legion Post 108; Sutter Amador Hospital; Charles Spinetta Winery and Wildlife Art Gallery; Mark Twain Medical Center; Matich | Vukovich Insurance Services; Horizon Oxygen and Medical Equipment; Upcountry Pool Center; Jackson Rancheria Casino and Resort; and The Estate Planning Law Center’s Gwendolyn K. Christeson, Attorney at Law.

A BIG HOSPICE THANKS to the many other sponsors, volunteers. Artists and contributors who donated funds, energy and items to make this event a success!

For more information, please call 209-223-5500.