Weld Food Bank Fundraiser Raises Record $35,000 at Beaujolais Nouveau Event
A Greeley wine-tasting event raised more than $35,000 for Weld Food Bank on November 21, marking the most successful fundraiser in the event's decade-long history.
The Beaujolais Nouveau celebration, hosted by Saint Patrick's Parish, generated revenue through tiered sponsorships and a silent auction to support the nonprofit's hunger-relief programs across Weld County's 4,000-square-mile service area.
The fundraising total represents a significant contribution to the food bank's operational budget, which funds mobile distribution trucks, food acquisition, and programs serving over 100 nonprofit agencies throughout the county, according to organizational planning documents.
Community Support Drives Success
Fourteen local businesses and community members sponsored the event at various levels, from individual donors to major corporate sponsors. Grand Cru sponsors included Dana Orthodontics, Harper Feeders, The J.M. Smucker Company, and Saint Patrick's Parish.
Premier Cru sponsors were A Buyer's Choice Home Inspections and Greeley Redeye Rotary, while Cru-level support came from Allo Fiber, Bentley Welding, Marr Family Dentistry, and Zoe's Cafe and Events.
Additional support came from Vin de Table sponsors Austin Bailey, The Baker Team at Sears Real Estate, Dr. Doug and Emily Kennedy, Intermountain Electric, Nicolas Lezama with State Farm, Rick and Kimberly Destree, and Weld Family Clinic of Chiropractic.
Timing Aligns with Seasonal Need
The event coincided with Beaujolais Nouveau Day, a French wine tradition celebrated annually on the third Thursday of November. The timing positions the fundraiser just before Thanksgiving, when food banks experience increased demand from families seeking holiday meal assistance.
Weld Food Bank serves as the primary food distribution hub for Weld County residents, operating as the largest food assistance provider in the region. The organization recently sought volunteers for a Hope for the Holidays food drive on November 23 at grocery stores throughout the county.
The fundraising success comes as Northern Colorado food banks prepare for elevated seasonal demand. Earlier this month, UCHealth awarded $270,000 in grants to regional nonprofits addressing food security and mental health issues.
The Beaujolais Nouveau event has grown into a cornerstone annual fundraiser for the organization, combining wine tasting, community engagement, and silent auction activities to generate support for hunger-relief operations.