Gisela Campagne is the woman behind Wags N’ Wine, a Huntington Beach fundraiser that’s been helping save dogs for years. It brings together many Huntington Beach homeowners’ loves: dogs and wine. An unlikely pairing to be sure, Campagne says the campaign has been an overwhelming success.
After working for the Huntington Beach Planning and Community Services departments for 37 years, Campagne said she decided to put her knowledge and skills in planning events toward a great cause. She adds, “I’ve done a lot of fundraising for the city and event planning. Somehow I was always the party planner wherever I was.”
On June 23, Wags N’ Wine celebrated its fourth annual event. Proceeds benefit the Waggin’ Trails Rescue Foundation, which helps find dogs new homes. Waggin’ Trails transports dogs that are unwanted or slated to be euthanized to reliable rescue shelters across California. The foundation also sends canines to Washington, Oregon, Idaho and even Vancouver.
In its early days, the event took place at a Huntington Beach home with home-cooked pasta dishes and donated wine. Now, over 10 wineries in Napa Valley contribute to the event each year, which took place at the Waterfront Hilton. Featured wineries this year included Rutherford Wine Company, Anantaah, Peju and Charles Krug.
“People come and they have such a good time,” said Campagne. “I think it’s because we offer such an amazing value.” While the event has come and gone this year, Huntington Beach homeowners are encouraged to put it on their radar for 2014. General admission tickets this year were $45, or you could purchase a VIP ticket for $60 leading up to the event. All tickets include unlimited wine tasting and a souvenir wine glass, however, those electing for the VIP ticket received an upgraded glass, a swag bag and access to premium wine tastings.
“I walked door-to-door in Napa Valley just to get this wine donated. I really did,” Campagne said. “I went from one winery to the other and that’s how I got this amazing premium wine donated.”
There are so many reasons to consider becoming a Huntington Beach homeowner! If you would like more information about this amazing seaside community, please contact me. I’d love to show you around!
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