15th annual fundraiser brings sold-out crowd, 32 wineries, and support to benefit One Cool Earth and Atascadero students

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Kiwanis & Mayors’ Winemaker Dinner celebrated its 15th year on Friday, June 20, with a sold-out evening of fine wine, gourmet food, and community generosity — all in support of local school gardens through One Cool Earth. Held at the Pavilion on the Lake, the annual fundraiser brought in more than $126,000, making it the second-highest grossing event in its history.

The evening kicked off with wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres on the scenic lanai overlooking Atascadero Lake. Guests then moved inside for a catered dinner, with each of the 32 tables hosted by representatives from one of the 32 participating Central Coast wineries. Attendees enjoyed specially selected wines paired with each course, creating a personal and interactive dining experience.

Steve Wrightson, Kiwanis president-elect and a dedicated club member for the past several years, reflected on the event’s success.

“It was very successful,” Wrightson said. “We were sold out once again … this year, we had eight new wineries that have never attended before.”

The evening featured a live auction with 11 high-value items, a silent auction accessible via mobile app, and a raffle. Doug Filipponi once again took the stage as auctioneer, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the bidding.

Wrightson, who joined Kiwanis along with his wife Terry, noted the personal motivation behind their involvement.

“We joined because we’re retired, and we had time available to support the community … it’s a good club that bridges all areas of the community … there’s a lot of opportunity to meet a lot of people, but help where help is needed.”

Each year, the dinner focuses its fundraising on a specific cause. This year, proceeds benefitted One Cool Earth (OCE), a nonprofit that partners with schools to create thriving garden programs. While OCE operates across San Luis Obispo County, Wrightson emphasized that all funds from the Winemaker Dinner will stay local, directly benefiting students within the Atascadero Unified School District.

Kiwanis estimates that 65 to 70 percent of the evening’s proceeds will go directly to OCE, while the remainder supports the club’s other youth and community projects — including scholarships, food pantries, and programs like the Boys & Girls Club and Lighthouse Mentoring.

Now in its 56th year of service, the Atascadero Kiwanis Club has raised over half a million dollars through this event series since its inception in 2011. With back-to-back record-setting years, the club shows no sign of slowing down.

Wrightson emphasized that the event’s success was the result of a significant team effort.

“This is a big club effort,” he said, noting that over 50 of the club’s nearly 100 members played a role in organizing the dinner.

The event also drew support from a wide range of local leaders, including current and former Atascadero mayors, county supervisors, and school district representatives.

Kiwanis Club of Atascadero remains one of the largest in the California-Nevada-Hawaii district, a distinction Wrightson credits to the club’s deep roots and broad community connection.

“We cover the full spectrum of the community,” he said.

“We have lawyers and doctors and carpenters and electricians and auto mechanics … we’re getting some new younger people with business backgrounds.”

For more information about Atascadero Kiwanis and future events, visit atascaderokiwanis.org

Feature Image: Attendees were treated to fine wine and gourmet food at the Atascadero Kiwanis & Mayors Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN