New York International Wine Auction Goes Out ‘On Top’, Raises Over $1.4 Million at its Grand Finale
New York International Wine Auction Goes Out ‘On Top’, Raises Over $1.4 Million at its Grand Finale
The 25th anniversary and grand finale of the New York international Wine Auction (NYIWA) was held on Saturday, September 25th at Turning Stone Resort · Casino.
Over $1.4 million was raised to benefit Arc Herkimer, whose mission is empowering people with disabilities and enriching lives throughout our community.
This year’s attendees enjoyed NYIWA’s signature silent and live auctions with incredible lots consisting of rare wines, luxurious trips, jewelry, and other fine lifestyle items. Entertainment by Herkimer native Scott Flansburg, also known as The Human Calculator, select wines, and a five-course gourmet dinner were highlights of the night.
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the evening however, was a $1 million donation from the Kucerak family, which garnered an emotional reaction from the crowd complete with a standing ovation.
Arc Herkimer President/CEO, Kevin Crosley said, “The room was abuzz all night long and you could feel it throughout the evening. The bidding was highly competitive and the million dollar gift brought the house down.”
The $1 million gift from the Kucerak family follows their previous $1 million gift that they gave to the agency at the end of 2020. The now $2 million will be used to construct the Kucerak Event Center at the MV Golf & Event Center in Little Falls, one of Arc Herkimer’s divisions.
NYIWA had humble beginnings when it was created in 1996, but has grown and gone on to raise over $5 million cumulatively over its 25-year history.
Arc Herkimer Executive Office and Special Events Manager, Jackie Lewis said, “NYIWA is truly a one-of-a-kind event. There’s nothing else like it. The amazing level of dedication and commitment from NYIWA team members and volunteers, and the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and patrons, is what has made the event so special and unique.”
According to Arc Herkimer President/CEO Kevin Crosley, “The decision to end NYIWA is a bittersweet one, but we wanted the event to go out on top. We can’t thank our patrons enough for their generosity and for helping us to enhance the lives of the people we support. We are looking forward to the promise of the agency’s future with fresh ideas, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”
The new Kucerak Event Center will replace the current event tent at the MV Golf & Event Center and will provide more jobs and opportunities to the people Arc Herkimer supports. Construction for the event center is set to begin in the spring of 2022, with an opening planned for October of 2022.
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