Events

This Summer…

Fifty Fabulous Females gathered recently to form the foundation for Wine Women and Shoes 2012, a fund raiser for Napa Emergency Women Services that is already much anticipated to be a must attend.

The dynamic Napa Valley women assembled at the invitation of event chair Katie Somple, to lend their support and ideas for Wine Women and Shoes Napa Valley, scheduled for July 28^th at Charles Krug Winery. Networking of girlfriend power was in full swing among attendees who included St. Helena Chamber Executive Pam Simpson, Meadowood Marketing Director Ann Marie Conover, Treasury Wine Estate’s Nicole Naslund, Monica Stevens of 750 Wines, Napa Valley Concierge Alliance co-founder Colby Smith, Lolo’s Kristine Waldenburg, St. Helena Hospital’s Magaly Newmyer, Kathy Foulger of Umpqua Bank, Wine Entre Femme’s Mindy Kearney, Kass Simmon and Lauren Ackerman.

Also in attendance was the inimitable Elaine Honig, who founded Wine Women and Shoes as a successful fund-raising concept that has been adopted by charities in 22 cities around the country.

A beloved valley based charity, Napa Emergency Women Services, is the concept’s newest beneficiary and host of the 2012 event. The success of the reception was reflected in a statement from Ms. Honig, who has helped launch dozens of WWS shoes events across the country: “This kick off reception was the best I’ve ever seen. Katie Somple is an impressive business woman who raises the bar on what she does. I have no doubt the actual event will be anything short of spectacular.”

The kick off reception, hosted on the spacious veranda of Somple’s St Helena home, was managed by David Aten Events, who arranged for Lux Productions and Classic Party Rentals to set a warm yet dynamic decor. Champagne was generously poured and served with chocolate dipped strawberries. The culture Somple and co-chair Jennie Thayer put forth was that philanthropy can be a fun, win/win/win experience.

Somple addressed the professional women at the after-work reception: “I’m not asking you for money. I’m asking you to contribute something much more valuable—your time, your talents and your connections.”

County Board of Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht was invited to recite a personal poem he wrote about domestic violence which moved some of the women to tears. Wagenknect told Katie Somple it was the best produced reception and launch of an event or project he’d attended in Napa Valley.

Honig concluded the evening with the message “Together we are better.”

If you are interested in joining the dynamic team of volunteers and supporters of the event, or if you are interested in being one of the select financial or in-kind supporters of NEWS at the event contact Katie Somple at 707-235-8585. Event attendance is limited to 350 guests.