The 2016 Tacoma Wine Classic, hosted by the Tacoma Community College Foundation on May 7, sold out with 250 guests, who raised a record $178,976 – of which all proceeds benefit TCC students in need.
The event was a lively one that featured a mid-century “Mad Men” kind of look, designed by TBL Designs, and filled with colorful décor and bright blue and orange lighting. But the real stars of the show were the rare wines that were donated to the Foundation by an anonymous Tacoma wine collector. Sold by silent and live auction, all of these exceptional wines, collected over the years from Washingtonian, Italian, French and Californian wineries, sold out.
The grand star of the show was a Magnum of Chateau Latour 1982 Pauillac that was valued at $2,000 and sold for $2,300. Other stars included bottles of vintage Chateau Latour Pauillac; Domaine Roumier Bonnes-Mares 1978 Burgundy and Chateau Margaux 1975, 1980 and 1984. Also mixed in the auctions were trips to Palm Springs, elaborate dinners, thoughtful gift baskets and exclusive art. All of the auction items were donated to serve our students.
Guests mingled in the TCC library, which held wine tastings featured by Washington wineries, nibbled on appetizers served by The Vault, and bid on silent auction items. The main event, held in the TCC Student Center, featured a delicious dinner served by The Vault, a live auction, and a “dessert dash,” provided by Corina’s Bakery.
The Tacoma Wine Classic is the TCC Foundation’s signature event, and has raised more than $1.2 million in scholarships, emergency funds and other needs for TCC students. It is coordinated by the TCC Foundation team and supported by dozens of TCC staff and student volunteers.
