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A tasty and tasteful fundraiser for Casa Pacifica
Organizers hope to raise $200,000 for children's shelter
Photo by James Glover II
At left, Jen Kenton of Ventura pours wine at the Weaver Wines booth at the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine and Food Festival at California State University Channel Islands on Sunday. Above, Yussi Wenger plays guitar while Mike Bennett plays drums while entertaining patrons of the festival.
Photo by James Glover II
Rebecca Ginter of Port Hueneme dances at the fundraiser Sunday. “Last year we raised $189,000 and we hope to make it above $200,000 this year,” said Carrie Hughes, assistant director of development for Casa Pacifica.
Photo by James Glover II
Yussi Wenger plays guitar while Mike Bennett plays drums in the band Benise at the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine and Food Festival at California State University Channel Islands on June 7, 2009. The festival is a fundraiser for Casa Pacifica.
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More from CamarilloMore than 3,500 people turned out Sunday afternoon to sample food, wine and microbrews at the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine & Food Festival at CSU Channel Islands.
A total of 79 food vendors, 150 wineries and 25 microbreweries were represented at the event at CSU Channel Islands. The event was sponsored by the Casa Pacifica Angels, a volunteer group formed to benefit the shelter for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children near Camarillo.
Carrie Hughes, assistant director of development for Casa Pacifica, hoped this would be the largest fundraiser yet. “Last year we raised $189,000 and we hope to make it above $200,000 this year,” Hughes said. “It’s looking good so far.”
Archie, Casa Pacifica’s Newfoundland therapy dog, sipped at his water bowl and enjoyed affection from patrons arriving at the 16th annual festival. A statue of the dog, who last week was honored by the county Board of Supervisors, was unveiled at the event.
Carrie Locke of Camarillo was working at the silent auction tables, where more than 250 baskets with everything from dog supplies to trips to wine country were represented.
“We’ve got a little bit of everything for everyone,” she said.
Greg Kenney, whose wife, Michelle, owns La Dolce Vita restaurant in Oxnard’s Heritage Square, said they are longtime supporters of Casa Pacifica.
“We even host Casa’s Christmas parties at the restaurant,” he added.
Patrons were enjoying the afternoon breezes under canvas tents provided by various sponsors.
Adam Leff, 43, of Newbury Park and his wife Tracey, 39, were sampling seafood in the VIP lounge. “We had no idea that it was such a compelling event with such a great selection of wine and food.”
“It’s just a great benefit for Casa,” said Ellen Hunter, 53, of Camarillo. “We come every year when we can,” she added.
Larry Scheaffer, 45, of Santa Ynez, was at the event for the first time with his company, Tercero Wines. “I’ve just started breaking into this area,” Scheaffer said. “I wanted to get more exposure down here and this seemed like a great way to do it while supporting a good cause,” he added.
“This is our third year here since we’ve owned the restaurant,” said Jeff Walker, managing partner of J.J. Brewsky’s in Camarillo. “We know the good work these folks do, and since we’re right down the road from them, it’s a natural fit for us,” he added.
Chef Gary Daniel of The Cave at the Ventura Wine Co. in Ventura said his staff had only three days to prepare.
“But it’s absolutely a great cause and we’re happy to be here,” he said.
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