Last week, Direct Relief hosted an evening cruise on the Channel Cat in celebration of a record-breaking amount raised during the 2012 American Riviera Wine Auction hosted by the Santa Barbara Vintner’s Foundation (SBVF) back in February.

The seventh biennial American Riviera Wine Auction held Feb. 11 at the Coral Casino raised $550,000 for Direct Relief – almost 50 percent more than any past auction. In one of the most exciting and inspiring parts of the evening auction, guests participated in a “Stand Up and Be Counted” that raised over $122,000 for Direct Relief’s Childhood Pneumonia program.

Since 2000 when the SBVF chose Direct Relief as the beneficiary of its first charity wine auction, the Vintners’ Foundation has raised more than $2 million to deliver essential medical aid and supplies to underserved communities throughout Santa Barbara county, the U.S., and the world.

“It is an amazing partnership we at Direct Relief have with the Vintners. We wouldn’t do all that we do without them,” said Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief president and CEO.

Guests on the cruise included members of the board at Direct Relief, the Santa Barbara Vintners’ Foundation board members, members the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association, auction bidders, and members of the auction committee who played a major role in the event’s success.

The use of the  Channel Cat  – a luxury catamaran that resides in the Santa Barbara Harbor – was graciously donated by Berkshire Hathaway’s Charlie Munger, who is committed to helping non-profits in the community raise funds for worthy causes. Many thanks to Mr. Munger and the Channel Cat crew for making this celebration possible.

Direct Relief looks forward to another American Riviera Wine Auction in 2014 with the Santa Barbara Vintners’ Foundation.