 | The live auction at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's tasting fund-raiser
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography |
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Last year, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation had to think fast to save its perishable offerings during record heat in Burbank for its "Culinary Evening With the California Winemasters" tasting event. This year, for the milestone 20th benefit at Warner Brothers, the temperature was considerably milder, and even the slumping economy didn't wilt the program, which was a sold-out affair this year with about 1,400 attendees; general tickets went for $350 apiece.
"We were so lucky, I can't believe it," said the foundation's director of special giving, Barbara Balik, whose husband, Allen, is the event's founder and co-chairman. "We had more corporate sponsors than any other year, and those sponsors bought tables. Corporate sponsors still want to bring their clients to something, and the [clients] love the Warner Brothers back lot. Everything just came together and worked in our favor. We raised close to $1.5 million, absolutely on par with the goal, and we are thrilled." That haul kept pace with previous years; last year brought in $1.6 million, 2007 garnered $1.5 million.
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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Going Green, Riedel, Dole |
