PONCHO newsletter

February 2010

Procurement is in full swing!

Now in its 19th year, the International Wine Auction is PONCHO's most exciting and elegant affair for wine and food aficionados alike! Featuring large format bottles, unique and rare selections, verticals and special collections from the Northwest and around the world, every collector finds something fabulous for their cellar at the International Wine Auction. This year's event spotlights the wines of Italy.

Gourmet experiences, exclusive wine-related travel, and gourmet accessories will be included as exciting bidding opportunities. This is a fantastic evening, filled with 5-star food, wine and entertainment. The 18th Annual PONCHO Wine Auction raised a record-breaking $1 million dollars. All proceeds raised benefit arts organizations and arts education programs across Washington State.

Please join us on May 22, 2010 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel!

If you have any questions about the auction, or need further assistance with procurement, please contact the PONCHO office at 206.623-6233 x202 and one of our Procurement Managers, Sara Addicott, saraa@poncho.org or Tammie Conder, tammie@poncho.org, will be happy to assist you.

Procurement Form Deadline: March 31, 2010
Printable form online at http://poncho.org/wineauction.shtml
All items must be delivered to PONCHO by May 7, 2010.
Please visit us at poncho.org

PONCHO is happy to announce Lorna Kneeland as Executive Director. Kneeland, who started as a consultant to assist PONCHO with organizational transition is poised to reposition PONCHO for the new economy. "We are thrilled to have Lorna - she has brought new energy and commitment to PONCHO," said Janet True, president, PONCHO Board of Trustees. "Lorna has a proven track record for delivering results while forging a strong connection with our board, donors, volunteers, and corporate sponsors."

Please help us officially welcome, Lorna to PONCHO!

Feel free to reach out to her: lorna@poncho.org or (206) 623-6233 x 201

One of a kind, larger than life, and loved by a world of friends, Seattle marketing executive, aviation pioneer, and charity auctioneer extraordinaire Dick Friel passed away in January.

Friel was a longtime PONCHO Board Member. He first joined the PONCHO Board in 1972, became President in 1984 and had been active as a Lifetime Trustee until his unfortunate passing. PONCHO is grateful for the many years of support and he will be deeply missed.

PONCHO has set up the Dick Friel Memorial Fund; click here if you wish to donate in his memory. Special thanks to the following donors who have generously contributed to this special fund: Jimmy & Patty Barrier, Paul Birkeland, George Briggs, Gary Gayton, Greg & Stacy Lill, James G. Murphy, Annette & Bob Parks, Llewelyn & Jonie Pritchard, Sanford Sonny Rose, and Herman & Faye Sarkowsky

The PONCHO team loved the Pacific Northwest Ballet's performance of Sleeping Beauty! Amazing costumes, gorgeous set design and, as always, breathtaking dancing. Be sure to see the show, running until Feb. 14. Click here to learn more.

Photo credits:
Layout photography by Scott Aitken for Team Photogenic: Juan Alonso, PONCHO 2007 Artist of the Year; Simone Porter, Member of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras; Reilly Jensen, Artist; Joyce Degenfelder, Wig Master at the Seattle Repertory Theatre; Dmitri Carter(center), Puppeteer, Francisco Carter, Third Generation Puppeteer, and Pulcinella from the Northwest Puppet Center; Marita Dingus, PONCHO 2005 Artist of the Year; Annie DeFranco, Member of the Spectrum Dance Theatre Spectrum Dance Theatre; and Michael Moore, Scenic Studios Manager at the Seattle Opera.