Athlete and Celebrity Charity Wine Events Articles

Greg Maddux Wine Release

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:26:40 GMT

On behalf of The Maddux Foundation, TAG Sports and Hill Family Estate have bottled a very limited production of Greg Maddux Reserve red wine from Napa Valley, California. This is a very small production of premium Napa Valley wine; only 56 cases were made available for sale. In Las Vegas, Greg’s wine will be available at select Lee’s Discount Liquor locations, including the West Flamingo Road location for the much anticipated October 25th wine release.

Event Details:

Sunday October 25, 2009; 3:00 PM
Lee’s Discount Liquor
9355 W Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89147

Join Greg & Kathy Maddux for the release of Greg Maddux’s 2006 Napa Valley wine. Greg’s wine will be offered for sale for the first time, guests purchasing wine will have the opportunity to have it autographed and/or personalized by Greg. No charge for admission, but autographs only for customers purchasing Greg Maddux wine.

For those unable to attend Greg’s wine release, you are welcome to purchase Greg’s wine through Uncork for a Cause. Pricing is identical, and online orders can still be autographed and personalized for collectors.

Bonson Arroyo at Hot Stove Cool Music

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:26:05 GMT

PLEASE JOIN US TO CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF MUSIC, BASEBALL AND GIVING BACK
Hot Stove Cool Music 10th Anniversary Events
All proceeds benefit FTBNL.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.foundationtobenamedlater.org/index.html

January 9th, 2010; 2pm - 4pm Sports Roundtable at Fenway Park

Sports Roundtable Guests:
Theo Epstein, Boston Red Sox
Omar Minaya, NY Mets
Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays
Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati Reds
Manny Delcarmen, Boston Red Sox

Moderators:
Peter Gammons
Bob Ryan, Boston Globe

...plus other surprise guests

The Foundation To Be Named Later

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:19:53 GMT

At the Foundation To Be Named Later, we currently support nine non-profit organizations. They are agents of change. They work to create a better world. But more specifically, they all:

Provide care and critical support to thousands of children in and around Boston.
Play an instrumental role in ensuring the emotional, mental and social development of children at risk.
Work tirelessly to supply children and their parents with such necessary tools as education, self-esteem, civic responsibility and a safe and nurturing environment to learn and grow, so that they may lead independent and self-sufficient lives.

Rick Ankiel Supports Stray Rescue of St. Louis

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:01:38 GMT

Rick and Lory Ankiel have partnered with TAG Sports and The Wine & Cheese Place to support the goals of Stray Rescue of St. Louis. A very limited quantity of Rick Ankiel’s Napa Valley Cabernet blend will be available and TAG Sports has commissioned a limited number of Rick Ankiel WineBat™ box sets; which include Rick's game model baseball bat, hand-stained with “Hill Harvest Red” wine stain and autographed by Rick. The WineBat™ collectors set also includes 3 bottles of Rick Ankiel wine, all enclosed in a custom made wood wine box, individually numbered from a limited edition of 100. Proceeds from the sale of these products benefit Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

Special thanks to Paul Hayden for his hard work and making these events fun and succesful for everyone, and the rest of the team at The Wine & Cheese Place and Provisions Gourmet Market.

Rick & Lory Ankiel at Provisions Gourmet Market

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:56:40 GMT

Thank you for joining us September 17th at Provisions for a fantastic night of fine wine and friends.

Luis Gonzalez Wins Bart Giamatti Award & Joins B.A.T. Board of Directors

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:02:48 GMT

NEW YORK - - Back when the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) was beginning its mission of helping former ballplayers, Major League Baseball's Commissioner's office, thinking it a grand idea, decided to pay the overhead costs of salaries and office space.

Through such generosity, B.A.T. grew, then blossomed, then reached the point where it wanted to help international players, too. So the Major League Baseball Players Association, thinking that an equally grand idea, picked up the tab for that.

All of which means that when B.A.T. holds an event such as Tuesday's 20th annual "Going to Bat for B.A.T. Dinner," not a dime goes to the organization itself. Instead, every last dollar is shipped off to those in need, from struggling former Major Leaguers to front-office personnel to the three dozen or so Negro Leaguers still alive.

It's baseball players giving back to baseball players, a bit of philanthropy quite close to their hearts.

"It's a wonderful organization," former big league pitcher Bret Saberhagen said. "It's just an honor to be here in support of that."

Saberhagen, along with Ozzie Smith, George Brett and Vince Coleman, was presented on Tuesday with the annual Big BAT/Frank Slocum Award for their financial generosity to the organization -- a nod to the $100,000 they raised through a charity event this past summer. And Luis Gonzalez, the not-yet-retired big leaguer of Diamondbacks fame, won the Bart Giamatti Award for best exemplifying the compassion demonstrated by the late baseball Commissioner of that name.

"I am one of the few old-school baseball players left," Gonzalez said. "I understand that the economics of the game have changed from when the old players started to where it's at now, with players making millions of dollars. And I still feel like there's a need to try to help some of the former players that are out there."

B.A.T. on Tuesday also announced the creation of the Bobby Murcer Award, in honor of the Yankees player and broadcaster who passed away last year of complications from brain cancer. Murcer's award will go to the teams in each league that donate the most money to B.A.T. during Spring Training each year.

Most of them don't need much convincing. Started as a way to help former Major Leaguers who have fallen on hard times, B.A.T. has since morphed into an international organization that has donated more than $18 million in grants over the past 23 years. And $2 million of that came in 2008.

"Baseball is different than any other sport, I think," Gonzalez said. "We have a unique bond, a fraternity. We've always been known to stick together as a group, and it's a unique thing. We're doing things that millions of people want to do. And I think ... the older guys are always trying to instill that in the younger players."

Through the support of those players, B.A.T. aims to assist all members of the baseball community -- ex-players, managers, coaches, scouts, umpires and front-office personnel, along with their widows and children. For former players, the only requirements to receive aid are three years of service in the Minor Leagues or a single day of service in the Majors.

"Obviously, the game has changed a lot now," Gonzalez said. "I feel that my job, still as a player, is to instill some of the values of the old school into some of these newer-age guys -- not to forget where they came from."

Tuesday's dinner also served to honor Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium, both of which just completed their final seasons of play. To that end, former Yankees and Mets stars Whitey Ford, Willie Randolph, Graig Nettles, Chris Chambliss, Bud Harrelson, John Franco, Cleon Jones, Rusty Staub and Lee Mazzilli were in attendance.

Open to the public, the Manhattan event gave fans an opportunity to mingle with the big leaguers, obtain autographs and learn how many lives their donations have touched.

"The players have stepped forward tremendously," said Ted Sizemore, B.A.T. president and CEO. "It's truly players helping players."

Learn more online at www.baseballassistanceteam.com.

Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:42:26 GMT

Stray Rescue's sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes. Virtually all of the pets we save have been abused and neglected. They've been dumped on highways, or remote country roads. Abandoned in public parks, empty houses and dark alleys. We've even saved dogs left chained behind buildings after their owners had moved away.

Rescued animals often make the best pets. As a no-kill organization, pets from Stray Rescue seem to understand that they have a second lease on life. In return for a little affection and attention, these remarkable animals reward their new owners with a love and loyalty unmatched anywhere.

Learn more and help support our efforts at www.strayrescue.org

Baseball Assistance Team

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:44:28 GMT

What is B.A.T.?

Think back to that first time you went to the ballpark and saw the players in person. You watched as your heroes dashed onto the field, dazzled you with their strength and power. They were larger than life, then. But now many of them face the harsher realities of life. Some have lost their physical abilities, many do not have money to pay the bills, so many are in need of some help.

The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) is in the helping business and we are dedicated to being there for our family members in need. Whether they were the batting practice pitcher who tossed you a foul ball, the shortstop who autographed your program or the Most Valuable Player whose statistics you memorized, we will, and have, helped them.

The primary objective of the Baseball Assistance Team is to aid those members of the "baseball family" most in need. B.A.T. strives to provide a means of support to people who are unable to help themselves. Through charitable contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals, B.A.T. is there to assist those with financial, psychological or physical burdens.

Visit us online for additonal information and event schedules; www.baseballassistanceteam.com

Bronson Arroyo at microWINES Photo Gallery

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:11:35 GMT

Private event hosted by Horan Associates

Bronson Arroyo at microWINES

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:11:16 GMT

Bronson Arroyo, TAG Sports and microWINES hosted a private wine tasting for Horan Associates executives and VIP guests. Bronson shared stories of baseball, music, growing up in Key West and his intense love for wine, especially his very own 2006 Hill Family Estate Cabernet blend offered throughout the evening, in addition to the entire Hill Family portfolio of fine wines.

Special thanks to Terry Horan, his lovely wife Christy and his entire team for making the evening possible. Kudos to David Anthony and the microWINES team for planning and hosting a very nice evening. Please browse through the photo gallery, see if you can find Bronson in the crowd; www.uncorkforacause.com/galleries/show/29

Please register for our newsletter to receive details about future events for Bronson and other athletes. In Cincinnati, call microWINES to purchase Bronson's very limited wine collectibles and inquire about future events with Cincinnati's favorite pitcher wearing #61. microWINES location and event details can be found at www.microwines.com.

Bronson Arroyo Wine Tasting at Mattison's Riverside in Bradenton

Tue, 12 May 2009 17:41:12 GMT

Join Chef Paul Mattison, executive chef and proprietor of Mattison’s™ and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo for a special wine tasting at Mattison's Riverside on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 from 6:30pm,

Enjoy the fine wines of Napa Valley winery Hill Family Estate; including their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Origin and Cabernet offerings.

Don't miss Bronson unveiling his very own 2006 Bordeaux Blend red wine and unique hand-signed fine wine collectibles. As a special treat, enjoy an unplugged acoustic set from Bronson, including hits from his debut CD "Covering the Bases".

In addition to Bronson's wine, for the first time in Florida we will offer "The WineBat™", Bronson's game model baseball bat, hand stained with Hill Harvest red wine stain and signed by Bronson, & three bottles of Bronson’s wine, all enclosed in a custom made wood wine box, branded with Bronson's wine label and biography. Very limited collectible, only 100 numbered units of the wine box are available. Single wine bottles, signed and personalized by Bronson will also be sold at the event.

Proceeds from the evening benefit Homes For Our Troops www.homesforourtroops.org, a national non-profit organization providing specially adapted homes for our severely injured service members.

About Mattison's Riverside:

Local celebrity, Chef Paul Mattison, is busy preparing the menu for this wine-pairing dinner at Mattison's Riverside. This unique restaurant is a local treasure, surrounded on three sides by water and boasts the most beautiful view in town. Focusing on fresh seafood, lamb, duck and beef, award-winning Mattison's Riverside restaurant and ballroom, also features an incredible sushi bar. Found in the heart of downtown Bradenton, at the well known Twin Dolphin Marina (built in 1928), guests are offered indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, a large outdoor deck with live music, an outdoor bar and fire pit; private indoor dining rooms; a main dining room; and a second floor featuring an elegant, private ballroom with stunning views of the Manatee River seating up to 200 people, perfect for weddings, private parties, business gatherings, or gala events.

Mattison's Riverside at the Twin Dolphin Marina is located at 1200 First Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205, telephone 941.748.8087 or online at www.mattisons.com.

Just a five minute walk from Mattison’s Riverside, The Courtyard by Marriott, Bradenton Riverfront, 100 Riverfront Drive West, Bradenton, FL 34205 tel 941.747.3727 is offering a special rate for this event should guests want to stay the night in Bradenton. Simply call the hotel and inquire about the Mattison’s Wine Tasting Group Rate.

The Bronson Arroyo Wine Tasting is sponsored by TAG Sports & Hill Family Estate

Arizona Quest For Kids

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:39:12 GMT

The Arizona Quest for Kids (AQFK) mission is simple: to provide support for college graduation to low income students with academic potential. Enrolled in
the fifth grade, students are paired with a caring adult mentor who supports their academic and personal development. Career-focused enrichment opportunities
and a comprehensive college guidance initiative are essential components of the program. AQFK also provides educational workshops and resource referrals
to families as they support their child’s pursuit of a college education. Students who maintain a 3.0 grade point average, stay drug and crime free, meet all program
requirements and graduate from high school receive a scholarship up to the equivalent of four years’ tuition at an Arizona university. Read more about this invaluable community service at www.azquestforkids.org.

Florida Marlins Community Foundation

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:39:01 GMT

The Florida Marlins Community Foundation (FMCF) was founded in 1999 to promote educational, athletic, health, social and community service programs with a particular focus on South Florida’s youth. This not-for-profit charitable organization generates funding from five sources: player contributions, corporate sponsorships, grants, events and ongoing programs. Since its inception, the FMCF has given back over $5 million dollars to the community through "Cornerstones for Kids"; building a brighter future through education, the arts and baseball. Learn more about FMCF at http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/fla/community/foundation.jsp.

Homes For Our Troops

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:38:45 GMT

Bronson will once again team with Homes For Our Troops, a non-profit organization that provides specially adapted homes for our severely injured service members. Through a growing network of monetary contributions, donations from building contractors, suppliers, corporate supporters and local volunteers, Homes For Our Troops provides assistance at no cost to the veterans that are served. Additional information can be found at www.homesforourtroops.org.

Bronson Arroyo Band performing at Showcase Live in Foxboro

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:04:33 GMT

Join Bronson Arroyo, acclaimed musician Elan Trotman and other special guests for a memorable evening of music and fine wine. Enjoy the Bronson Arroyo Band as they perform a number of unplugged acoustic rock-covers, many of which can be found on Bronson’s debut CD “Covering the Bases”

As an added bonus, join us as Bronson unveils his very own 2006 Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend red wine and unique hand-signed fine wine collectibles. The evening will also include a selection of silent auction items featuring sports and entertainment memorabilia, fine wines and much, much more.

Proceeds from Bronson's wine and collectible wine box benefit Homes For Our Troops; a national non-profit organization providing specially adapted homes for our severely injured service members, at no cost to the veterans served. Learn more about Homes for our Troops and how to support their very worthwhile programs and efforts at www.homesforourtroops.org

January 9, 2009; 8:00 PM at Showcase Live in Foxboro, MA.
Debut of "The WineBat™", Bronson's game model Louisville Slugger bat, hand stained with "Hill Harvest Red" wine stain and signed by Bronson, joined by three bottles of Bronson’s wine all enclosed within a custom made wood wine box.
Very limited collectible, only 100 numbered units of the wine box are available
Single wine bottles, signed and personalized by Bronson are also available

Concert tickets are only $25, available exclusively through Ticketmaster; simply click the ticket....

Bronson Arroyo Band at Showcase Live

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:16:01 GMT

A big thank you goes out to all for braving the cold and joining us Friday night at Showcase Live in Foxborough. Bronson and the band put on quite a show as always, and we raised a few dollars for Homes for our Troops with the release of Bronson's 2006 Hill Family Bordeaux blend red wine and very limited Winebat.

Click here to see Bronson's live performance at FOX 25 Friday morning; www.myfoxboston.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=ACBD4E45E07815886123829B564FD8AB

Luis Gonzalez Supports Arizona Quest For Kids

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:29:03 GMT

Click the ticket for your tickets !

Join Luis Gonzalez and his special guests for a memorable evening to benefit The Arizona Quest For Kids. The Arizona Quest for Kids (AQFK) mission is simple: to provide support for college graduation to low-income students with academic potential. Be there to help celebrate the night as Luis unveils his very own 2006 Hill Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and unique hand-signed fine wine collectibles. The evening will also include live and silent auctions featuring signed and unsigned sports memorabilia, fine wines, VIP tours and wine tasting in Napa Valley and much, much more. Space is limited so get your tickets today!

Proceeds benefit The Arizona Quest for Kids (AQFK) and their worthwhile goals. Learn more at www.azquestforkids.org
Friday November 21^st2008, 7:00 PM; "Upstairs" at the elegant Estate House restaurant, a regal dining & social experience in old town Scottsdale; www.estatehouseaz.com
$75 event ticket is inclusive of food and beverage; passed Hors d’Oeuvres, imported cheese stations as well as open premium bar featuring the fine wines of Hill Family Estate.
Debut of The WineBat™ , a Luis Gonzalez game model baseball bat hand-stained with "Hill Harvest Red" wine stain and signed by Luis. Three bottles of Luis’ wine are also included, all enclosed in a custom made wood wine box.
Very limited collectible, only 200 numbered units of this wine box will be built for this project.
Single wine bottles, signed and personalized by Luis will also be available at the event.

Don't miss this fantastic evening, get your tickets now www.uncorkforacause.com/products/show/12

Gonzo Uncorks for the Florida Marlins Community Foundation

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:28:39 GMT

Join Luis Gonzalez and other special guests for a memorable evening to benefit The Florida Marlins Community Foundation, which supports "Cornerstones for Kids"; building a brighter future through education, the arts and baseball. Be there to help celebrate the night as Luis unveils his very own 2006 Hill Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and unique hand-signed fine wine collectibles. The evening will also include both live and silent auctions featuring signed and unsigned sports memorabilia, fine wines and much, much more. Availability is limited so buy your tickets today!

Proceeds benefit The Florida Marlins Community Foundation to support their very worthwhile programs and efforts; read more at http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/fla/community/foundation.jsp
Event is September 14, 2008, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM at the historic Riverside Hotel in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale
Butler passed Hors d’Oeuvres, special dining stations as well as open premium bar featuring the fine wines of Hill Family Estate
$125 event ticket is inclusive of food and beverage. And for those with a sweet tooth......... a chocolate dipping fountain
Silent and select live auction items to include signed and unsigned sports memorabilia, fine wines, game tickets to Florida Marlins home games, as well as products and services provided by local businesses
Debut of custom made wood wine box which includes "The WineBat™", Luis' game model Rawlings bat hand stained with Hill Harvest red wine stain and signed by Luis
Three bottles of Luis’ wine are also included in the wine box
Very limited collectible, only 200 numbered units of the wine box are available to the public
Single wine bottles, signed and personalized by Luis will also be available at the event

Don't miss this fantastic evening, tickets are available through the Florida Marlins at http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/fla/community/uncork_for_a_cause.jsp

The limited edition wine box is available directly through Hill Family Estate at www.hillfamilyestate.com/index.cfm

Uncork For a Cause with Luis Gonzalez in South Florida

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:10:45 GMT

The stars were definitely out to help Luis Gonzalez unveil his 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet and raise money for the Florida Marlins Community Foundation and their Cornerstones for Kids program. The guests enjoyed an evening of delicious food and desserts prepared by the Riverside Hotel and fine wines from Hill Family Estate, where Luis’ Cabernet was produced and bottled.

Many of Luis’ teammates were on hand to celebrate the evening as well as Marlins executive Andre Dawson and team President David Samson.

Special thanks to Marlins Community Foundation Executive Director Nancy Olson and her team of Kelly Schnackenberg and Jeremy Stern.

September 14, 2008

Riverside Hotel, Ft. Lauderdal, Florida

Gonzo visits Hill Family Estate in Napa Valley

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:45:16 GMT

Luis Gonzalez and members of the Florida Marlins enjoy a well-earned day off by visiting Hill Family Estate in beautiful Napa Valley, California. The group toured a winery or two, were well educated on the intricacies of growing and cultivating vineyards, and finished off the day with a spectacular meal at Angèle restaurant looking over the Napa river.

June 2008

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:37:15 GMT

September 2008

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:35:35 GMT

Luis Gonzalez unveils his 2006 Hill Family Cabernet and limited edition wine box. This unique collectible is limited to 200 numbered pieces and includes Luis' game model bat, hand stained with "Hill Harvest Red" wine stain and signed by Luis. Also included are three bottles of Luis' 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, all contained in a custom wood wine box.

September 14, 2008 Riverside Hotel Ft. Lauderdale

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:33:51 GMT

Many of Luis' teammates were on hand to celebrate the evening as well as Marlins executive Andre Dawson and team President David Samson.

Special thanks to Marlins Community Foundation Executive Director Nancy Olson and her team of Kelly Schnackenberg and Jeremy Stern.