On Friday, March 20, supporters gathered at Victory Hall at the Boxyard in Seattle for an inspiring evening at Hearts & Wine, benefiting Harvest Against Hunger. The event brought together a passionate community united by one shared goal: ensuring equitable access to fresh, healthy food for all.
Thank you to all who attended—and to those who supported from afar with donations. The energy, dedication, and “grape” enthusiasm you brought to the evening made it truly unforgettable.
Guests began the evening with a lively reception featuring delicious small bites and a curated selection of wines and spirits from participating wineries and distilleries. A wine shop allowed guests to purchase and take home their favorite bottles—extending the experience beyond the evening.
The ambiance was enhanced by Sue Nixon and her band, whose smooth, jazzy tunes created a warm, inviting backdrop. Mehraki Productions added a playful touch with a dynamic photo booth, capturing unique, harvest-inspired digital images for guests to enjoy and share.
“The salad represents a great story, much like we do as an organization. The greens on your plate came from one of our partnering community farms in Carnation—picked this morning, delivered this afternoon, and now served at your table. It’s a living example of how organizations come together to move quickly and get fresh food where it’s needed most.”
This vivid example highlighted the power of collaboration—from local farms to distribution partners—working together to meet growing demand. Partners like PCC Community Markets have contributed $334,000 in cash, over the year, to help secure wholesale purchasing power and expand access to fresh food.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Hunger Relief Hero Award to Claire Lane of the Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition. A tribute video featuring several state legislators celebrated her leadership and advocacy. Through her work in Olympia, Claire champions policies that protect Washington’s most vulnerable communities and advance the belief that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right.
The evening’s momentum continued with a dynamic silent auction, followed by a lively live auction led by Matt Lorch, the emcee and auctioneer, whose energy inspired “bubbly” bidding and generosity across the room.
Special thanks to our dedicated Table Captains—Jan Levy, Adam Mihlstin, Cary Young, Morris Kremen, Debbie Bodal, Mike Lufkin, Eu-wanda Eagans, Jim Tanasse, Lorna Tumwebaze, Sara Osborne, Steve Dewalt, and Oscar Mayorquin—for their leadership and commitment. We also extend our gratitude to the Board of Directors, whose vision and guidance continue to drive this mission forward.
Behind the scenes, the volunteers and staff of Harvest Against Hunger made the evening seamless and impactful, orchestrating every detail with care and dedication.
Thanks to you, Hearts & Wine 2026 raised an incredible $328,000—support that will provide fresh, healthy produce to hundreds of thousands of individuals and families facing food insecurity across Washington.
Held on the International Day of Happiness, the evening truly reflected its “full-bodied” essence—bringing people together to give back, support those in need, and share meaningful moments with both new and familiar faces.
Mark your calendar: Hearts & Wine 2027 returns on March 19, 2027, at Victory Hall. We look forward to raising a glass with you again next year!
“Volunteering at Hearts & Wine reminded me that generosity isn’t just about dollars—it’s about time, energy, and coming together as a community. I saw firsthand how one evening can create ripples of impact. Every dollar raised, every bite enjoyed, every connection made contributes to a simple truth: together, we can fight hunger and spread joy—one plate at a time.”
— Stacie Thorlakson, Volunteer
