Annual Barrel Full of Money fundraiser to raise money for Walla Walla Food Bank

WALLA
WALLA, WA— Walla Walla Valley wineries,
along with other area businesses and non-profit organizations have teamed up to
raise donations for the Blue Mountain Action Council’s (BMAC) Walla Walla Food
Bank.

Barrel Full of Money is a joint effort by Alaska Airlines, Baker
Boyer Bank, Columbia REA, the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation and its’ members,
the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center, Olive Marketplace & Café,
Capps Broadcast Group, and the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and its’
members to raise money that will be used to buy food for those in need. 

The BMAC
Food Bank distributes an estimated 500,000 pounds of food through pantries in
Walla Walla County. “As everyone knows, the cost of basic essentials, such as
food, has risen significantly in recent years,” said Kathy Covey, CEO of the
Blue Mountain Action Council. “Donations from this fundraiser will be used
strictly to purchase bulk food items and perishables.”

Now in its
fourth year, organizers hope this Barrel
Full of Money campaign is the most successful yet.  It’s grown by leaps and bounds since its
inception in 2011, raising $2,000 the first year, $13,500 the following year
and $15,000 last year. This year’s steering committee has set a fundraising
goal of $20,000.

Donation
canisters will be placed at wineries and other locations throughout the Walla
Walla Valley through December 15, 2014. Two full-sized wine barrels — used as
donation vessels — will be located at Olive Marketplace & Café and at
another mobile location.  Olive Café will
also host a silent auction, featuring special wines and experiences.

Another
major commitment to this year’s campaign is a donation by Alaska Airlines of
two roundtrip airline tickets to anywhere Alaska flies.  These airline tickets, with a value of $2,500,
are useable for one year from date of issue, are unrestricted and have no
blackout dates.  The tickets will be
given away as the grand prize in a raffle, with the second prize being a
one-night stay at Walla Walla’s Marcus Whitman Hotel and dinner for two at The
Marc Restaurant.  The raffle drawing will
take place on December 18 at the conclusion of the fundraising campaign. Raffle
tickets will be sold for $10 each and will be available for purchase at Olive
Marketplace & Café and throughout the campaign by calling the Walla Walla
Valley Wine Alliance (509-526-3117) until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17.

“The Barrel
Full of Money fundraiser is a great example how this community pulls together
to assist those in need,” said Duane Wollmuth, Executive Director of the Walla
Walla Valley Wine Alliance.

The
fundraising campaign will be officially kicked off on Thursday, October 23 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olive Marketplace &
Café with a “load the barrel with money” ceremony at 6:00 p.m., light
appetizers and a casual wine tasting.  Glasses
of wine and various food items will be available to purchase with all proceeds
donated to the Walla Walla Food Bank.