Last Saturday, October 17th, marked the 13th Annual Vintage celebration at Mission San Juan Capistrano. I believe that this one should be considered the most successful of all. Not because we raised more money, or had more people in attendance, or set a new record for sponsorships, but because the event was better than the last in spite of tremendous obstacles, most notably the current economy.
 
The business community came together and put its best foot forward. We should all take pride in this success.
 
It didn't happen without a great deal of effort and I would like to recognize the persons most responsible:
 
First the Vintage Committee under the leadership of Michael Swan and Steve Freygang did a great job. They worked tirelessly recruiting restaurants, vintners, staffing every aspect of the event from setup to teardown. Swany got the Band, worked hard on the promotion of the event and was a key to recruiting restaurants and wineries, and deserves special thanks. The Casino, the silent auction, the welcoming group and crowd management was all handled expertly by dedicated volunteers. Nathan Banda, our event planner did a superb job.
 
A special thanks to the restaurants, wine providers, and other vendors for their support of this event. This year's economic difficulties made participation especially hard and we should all thank the participants by supporting their businesses with our referrals and patronage.
 
Our professionals on the Chamber Staff; Karen Richesin, Natalie Miller, & Emilie Simard, once again provided the support and attention to details that kept everything running smoothly towards success. Of course their work isn't over yet as we wrap up this event and start planning for next year. However, a big "thank you" is in order.
 
The Mission has never looked better and provided the elegant backdrop that was mentioned by so many in attendance. Thanks to Mechelle Lawrence-Adams and her staff for their efforts and support.
 
Last, but certainly not least, thank you to our Event Sponsors for the evening: 
Private Reserve Sponsor - Fluidmaster;  Cabernet Sponsor - Capistrano Dispatch/San Clemente Times/Dana Point Times; Merlot Sponsors - Atria Senior Living, AT&T, Birtcher Anderson LLC, CR & R, El Adobe de Capistrano, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Heritage Design Group, Independence Bank, KSBR, OC Gazette, OC Net, Pacific Mercantile Bank , Rancho Mission Viejo, San Diego Gas & Electric Company/The Gas Company, St. Margaret's Episcopal School, Shine Lighting, The Local Dish, The Toll Roads, Union Bank; and, Patron Sponsors -  Berrington Properties, Cox Communications, O'Connor Mortuary, and Southern California Edison.
 
For all of you who attended, thanks for your support. For those of you who couldn't be there, come next year. You'll be glad you did.