13th Annual Collaborative Barrel Full of Money Fundraiser Launches to Support Local Needs
WALLA WALLA, WA (October 31, 2023) – Walla Walla Valley wineries, along with other area businesses and nonprofit organizations, announced the annual launch of Barrel Full of Money, a month-long fundraising campaign to benefit Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC). The Barrel Full of Money program raises funds that are used to support area residents in need through a kick-off event, donation barrels, and an auction and wine reception.
The Barrel Full of Money campaign has raised over $500,000 since inception in 2011, equating to nearly 2 million meals for local families. BMAC’s mission is to end poverty in Walla Walla, Columbia, and Garfield Counties, and funds raised through this event provide direct services to our neighbors and help build thriving communities.
“We greatly appreciate the community’s investments in BMAC’s programs to help our neighbors in need, particularly during the holiday season,” explains BMAC CEO Danielle Garbe Reser. “The contributions we receive through Barrel Full of Money significantly contribute to our ability to disrupt poverty and meet urgent needs, including for food, housing, and jobs.”
Barrel Full of Money is a collaborative fundraising effort by Banner Bank, Caprio Cellars, Cayuse Vineyards, Columbia REA, Grocery Outlet, Hayden Homes, Sharon & Larry Clinton, The Motor Co, The Thief Fine Wine & Beer, TMACS, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, Blue Mountain Action Council and Walla Walla Valley Wine and its members.
The campaign will officially begin with “Bubbles for BMAC,” a special tasting of sparkling wines hosted by The Thief Fine Wine & Beer, alongside a “load the barrel” ceremony to launch the campaign at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 2. Guests can participate in the tasting of eight wines for $20, and 50% of proceeds will be donated to the fundraising campaign. Attendees can also be among the first to drop cash donations in the wine barrel donation vessel. Around town, smaller barrels will also serve as donation vessels and will be placed at other local businesses between November 1 and December 3.
Local businesses and wineries will assist in fundraising efforts by hosting signage with QR codes for customers to donate to the campaign, as well as select businesses donating a portion of sales and tasting fees. Grocery Outlet will allow customers to round up or add a donation to the fundraiser at check out.
The main event of the campaign, the auction and wine reception, will anchor the Friday evening of the Walla Walla Valley’s Holiday Barrel Weekend. Hosted at The Motor Co, centrally located Downtown, Walla Walla Valley Wine members and local businesses will donate special wine bottles, products, and other unique experiences to be bid on through a silent auction. A live auction of premium items will be presided over by Dave Mitchell. Wines sponsored by Caprio Cellars, Dunham Cellars and Tranche will be available, and guests can enjoy heavy appetizers from TMACS. Tickets are available for purchase online at WallaWallaWine.com/Event/BFOM-2023/ for $75.
“Each year, we look forward to coming together as a wine community to rally around supporting our neighbors,” says Liz Knapke, Executive Director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine. “The December auction and wine reception is the perfect opportunity to come together and bid on unique wines, experiences, and more. Whether you’re looking for a gift or a treat for yourself, this is the place to do it while giving back.”
Online donations are accepted at www.bmacww.org/bfom. Checks can be mailed to Blue Mountain Action Council at 8 E Cherry Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Checks should be made out to BMAC with “Barrel Full of Money” in the memo line.
Barrel Full of Money Events
November 2: Fundraiser officially kicks off with “Bubbles for BMAC” and a “load the barrel” ceremony at The Thief Fine Wine & Beer, 6:00 p.m.
November 2 – December 3: Barrels and QR codes collecting donations at local businesses
December 1: Auction and wine reception at The Motor Co, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Barrel Full of Money is made possible by:
Banner Bank, Caprio Cellars, Cayuse Vineyards, Columbia REA, Grocery Outlet, Hayden Homes, Sharon & Larry Clinton, The Motor Co, The Thief Fine Wine & Beer, TMACS, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
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About Blue Mountain Action Council
Blue Mountain Action Council is a community action partnership agency providing a wide array of services to help people meet their basic essential needs and build thriving communities in Walla Walla, Columbia, and Garfield Counties. More information about BMAC and its programs is available at www.bmacww.org or by calling 509-529-4980.
About Walla Walla Valley Wine
Walla Walla Valley Wine is a nonprofit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is to build an internationally acclaimed Walla Walla Valley wine brand among consumers, media, and trade by providing marketing programs on behalf of member wineries, vineyards, and partners. Walla Walla Valley Wine functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media and trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.
Media Contact
Liz Knapke
Executive Director, Walla Walla Valley Wine
liz@wallawallawine.com | (509) 526-3117 office
