The sound of popping corks and laughter became the theme of “Life is a Cabernet,” STOP CANCER’s first wine tasting fundraiser held at the Napa Valley Grill on May 22. Almost 150 members and their guests participated in this first-ever event which raised over $13,000 for cancer research. With the support of 11 of Napa Valley’s top vineyards, the participants had the opportunity to sample some of the best of the valley’s white and red wines and then purchase their favorites with a percentage of the sales going to STOP CANCER.  Co-chaired by Pat Gage and Susan Harris, the wine tasting received rave reviews both for the group’s spirit and the quality of wines poured by members who volunteered to act as the behind-the-table servers. 

World class wine wasn’t the only treasure that afternoon.  Inside a beautiful locked bejeweled chest, created by Pat Gage, lay a trove of Napa Valley / STOP CANCER booty worth over $4,500 -- including a STOP CANCER 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant, a Two Night Stay for Two at Meadowood Napa Valley with Dinner for Two at La Toque Restaurant, plus contributions from Elyse Winery, K Chocolatier Beverly Hills, Upstairs 2 at the Winehouse, Serve the Goddess Mobile Spa Services, Napa Valley Wine Train and Dr. Kevin Brenner, Plastic Surgeon. The lucky winners, were past co-presidents, Sera and Gary Brill.

Certainly one of the event highlights was a presentation by City of Hope’s Dr. Rahul Jandial, who was accompanied by his lovely wife, Dr. Danielle Jandial. The 2010 STOP CANCER Awardee took the audience on a brief tour of previously incurable diseases that are now being managed with the message that he and his colleagues were working to add cancer to that list.

Special thanks to Co-Chairs Pat Gage & Susan Harris for their hard work and to our wonderful STOP CANCER wine pourers: Evy Lutin, Fred Miller, Dominic LoBuglio, Sandy Gage, Phyllis & Ruben Poplawski, Stan Tendler, and Fern and Dr. Arnold Heyman.