Arts patrons gathered at Seattle Repertory's Leo K Theatre on September 10th to celebrate the arts and went away with a brand new appreciation of the vitality and variety of arts in our community. The intimate theater set the stage for PONCHO to showcase 25 representatives from the area’s leading art organizations, who throughout the evening shared inspiring stories and little known accomplishments which have transformed each of these organizations, making them who they are today both on a local and national level. The evening was generoulsy sponsored by Adjusters International & The Lucurell Family.

Guests were treated to special performances by three of the spotlighted organizations including: Seattle Symphony’s superstar cellist, Joshua Roman, ArtsCorps’ Hip-Hop Dance Troup led by Dwayne Jackson and a choral trio performance by Heather Roberts, Diana Huey and Andrea Dennison-Laufer, accompanied by Jim Fisher, from Cornish College of the Arts’ Music Theatre Program. Local actor, director and entertainment guru David Koch was the evening’s spectacular host and kept the evening moving seamlessly.

The first event of its kind, the invitation only Arts Matter! event focused on artistic achievements in our community while providing PONCHO supporters a front row seat as to how their giving and continued support positively impacts the arts community.

A wine and hors d’oeuvres reception followed the program, giving PONCHO patrons, community leaders, members of the media, and representatives from the arts community a chance to mix, mingle and celebrate the arts together.

“It was indeed a wonderful event. Seattle has an amazing, passionate arts community. We can all be so proud. I learned about so many groups that were new to me.” Sandy Marvinney, President, Seattle International Children's Festival Board of Trustees

Due to overwhelming feedback, this will become an annual event for PONCHO. Various art organizations across the state will continually be provided the opportunity to voice their story to those who support their mission through PONCHO.

For a complete and current listing of all area art organizations supported by PONCHO, please visit our PONCHO beneficiary page.

To view photos from Arts Matter!, visit the Team Photogenic Website.

Join us for a fantastic evening of superb wine, exquisite food, rare and unique auction items and fellow friends of the arts. The PONCHO Wine Auction is one of the only opportunities in the region for wine enthusiasts to add a broad range of international, domestic and rare wines to their collections…all in support of the arts and arts organizations throughout the state.

This year’s event is co-chaired by three amazing women who are at the forefront of the Washington wine industry: Stacy Lill (DeLille Cellars), Anne-Marie Hedges (Hedges Family Estate), and Kathleen Shoup (Long Shadows Vintners). By blending their passion, expertise and love of the arts, this is sure to be an unforgettable event.

The Wine Auction will be moving to a new location - the newly-remodeled Metropolitan Room at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. Tickets are now on sale via secure on-line registrations or contact Victoria at 206.623.6233 or Victoria@poncho.org. Purchase tickets now, before the event is sold out.

And for those who can’t wait for auction night, here’s a sampler of a few exceptional lots:

Rare and Unusual Bottles… including a 6 year vertical of Quilceda Creek, hard to find bottles of Sloan, a 15 Liter bottle of Lancelot-Pienne Champagne, dual 6 Liter bottles from Cayuse Vineyards, a 1928 bottle of Château Vieux Château Certan, rare vintages of Bordeaux and Burgundies and more!
 
Once in a lifetime dinners… Like a 1989 Bordeaux Dinner for 8 at Campagne.  The exquisite French-inspired cuisine of Campagne regularly earns top marks from reviewers around the country. You’ll feel like you’re in the south of France when you invite your favorite guests for a dinner for eight at Campagne.  Better yet, you will spend your evening drinking an unbelievable array of 1989 Bordeaux precluded by the best of Champagnes, Dom Pérignon and finished off with a lovely 1977 Fonseca Port.
 
Exclusive winery experiences… Like a Winery Barrel Tasting & Lunch for 8 at Long Shadows' New Walla Walla "Chilhuly Room" & Etched Double Magnum Collection  Long Shadows Vintners founder Allen Shoup will be your host for a one-of-kind winery tour for eight that begins with a barrel tasting at Long Shadows' new Walla Walla winery, a sumptuous luncheon in the winery's exclusive new private Chihuly dining room and a rare, double-magnum collection of Long Shadows acclaimed wines.
 
Check back often to see more exciting auction lots by visiting our website.