Hi everyone. I hope it’s alright for me to share something here (I got Jancis’ permission before doing so). I don’t post on the forum that often, but with today being Giving Tuesday, I wanted to mention something personal in a way that’s respectful of the community.
A close friend’s daughter, Rayas, is a bright, thoughtful teenage girl who has been fighting a rare and life-threatening illness for more than a year. Her treatment has been intensive and all-consuming, and her mother, Keiko Niccolini, a longtime member of the California wine industry, has had to step away from work to care for her full-time.
A group of people from the wine, food, and hospitality worlds came together to organize a silent auction to support them. The generosity has been extraordinary, and many of the lots are truly special: dinners cooked by Michelin-starred chefs, private vineyard tours with iconic winemakers, rare large-format bottles, unique wine collections, cooking classes, photographic art, and other one-of-a-kind experiences. The outpouring of support from the industry has been incredible. CA winemaker Ross Cobb donated 20 cases of wine (!). And that’s just one of the jaw-dropping things you can find in this auction. We also have six bottles of Rayas direct from the estate via importer Martine’s Wines.
I’m sharing this here not to be pushy, but because this community includes many people who appreciate memorable wine and food experiences — and, on Giving Tuesday, some may be looking for meaningful ways to contribute. Even simply taking a look or sharing the link amongst your friends and networks (hint hint) would be deeply appreciated.
And if you bid, please know that even as you are securing an amazing bottle or meal for yourself, you are helping a single mom stay by her child’s side through a nightmare none of us should ever have to face alone.
If you’d like to browse the auction, here is the link:
The Rayas & Keiko Fundraising Auction by Rayas and Keiko Fundraising | BetterWorld
Every bid goes directly toward supporting Rayas’s ongoing care.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for the generosity of spirit that defines communities like this.
#Auction4Rayas #GivingTuesday