South Bay wine lovers donate to support fire victims
With property that was threatened but not damaged in the Wine Country fires, Bert George felt incredibly fortunate and, at the same time, devastated for the winemakers and residents he knew who had not been so lucky. And he decided to do something about it.
He and his wife, Cyndie George, and his mother, Bobbe George, invited their customers and friends — including Sharks players Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski and Sharks broadcaster Randy Hahn — to a special wine-tasting fundraiser Monday night at Joseph George Fine Wines in San Jose to benefit victims of the North Bay fires. “We needed to do something,” Bert George said. “We’re the wine family here in San Jose.”
And to put a face on the need, George also invited Sam Lando of Lando Wines to speak to the crowd of about 100 people, who raised nearly $100,000 at the event. Lando’s family, which lives in Windsor, didn’t lose its home but the winery’s entire 2016 vintage of pinot noir was lost.
Lando reached out to other pinot noir makers and asked if he could purchase barrels of wine to create a special wine he plans to call the Lando Russian River Phoenix Blend.
“To see the spirit and perseverance that folks have in Sonoma County and Santa Rosa has been incredible,” said Lando, who knows 42 families that did lose their homes. “People have been vibrant in Sonoma County, and we’re open for business.”
George says donations will be handled through the Britt George Foundation, which the family established following the death of their daughter. “We’re going to be the safety net for these people who have lost everything,” George said.
A SARATOGA TRIBUTE >>
The life-size bronze sculptures of Saratoga historian and former newspaper editor Willys Peck and his wife, Betty Peck, will be dedicated Saturday morning in Blaney Plaza. At 10 a.m., Saratoga Mayor Emily Lo will unveil the Blessing Bench installation, the result of a real community effort that included more than 200 donations from private individuals, as well as funding from the Saratoga Rotary Charity Foundation, the city of Saratoga and the Saratoga Historical Foundation.
The project was spearheaded by Hugh Roberts, and Jerry Smith — a sculptor and former mayor who passed away in May — designed the bench and sculptures. Willys Peck, who died in 2013 at age 89, had a 55-year career at the Mercury and was the definition of an old-school newspaperman, right down to the green eyeshade he wore to work the desk. His wife, Betty, is 95; I’m told she’s going to try to be at the ceremony.
COMING TO PUERTO RICO’S AID >>
A San Jose-based community organization called Puerto Rico Rising will be collecting donations this weekend to help the island recover in the wake of Hurricane Maria’s devastation. The list of items needed includes diapers, canned goods, flashlights, batteries and feminine hygiene products, and donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at nine San Jose fire stations and the San Jose Police substation on Great Oaks Boulevard.
A full list of needed items and drop-off locations is available by going to www.eventbrite.com and searching for “Levanta Puerto Rico Donation Drive.”
SIGNING OFF IN STYLE >>
Mix 106.5 morning hosts Jeff Pope and Marla Davies didn’t get a chance for an on-air farewell to listeners when they were let go last month, but they’ll say goodbye in their own way with a happy hour Friday at the Caravan Lounge in downtown San Jose. The festivities start at 4 p.m. Since the pair are still unemployed, you’re on your own for drinks. Community-minded past the end, though, they’ll also be accepting donations for Redwood Credit Union’s North Bay fire relief fund.