The venue was elegant and the crowd was definitely dressed to match. Those lucky enough to score a ticket for the 29th Annual Solano Wine & Food Jubilee were treated to an opulent evening of plentiful food, wine, brews and raffle-winning festivities at the Sunrise Event Center in Vacaville on Saturday, April 23.

And, even though the raffle’s grand prize winner wasn’t actually at the Jubilee, Lydia Abad learned she won the top prize—a brand new car—about 15 seconds after her winning ticket was pulled. The NorthBay Healthcare executive assistant was called at home with the good news by co-worker and friend Sylvia Spanos, executive assistant to NorthBay Healthcare President and CEO Gary Passama. Lydia was faced with the enviable decision of choosing between a 2016 Buick Encore, Nissan Altima or Hyundai Sonata, donated by Rami Yanni, general manager of the Vacaville dealerships. Lydia chose the Nissan Altima, and took the keys to her new car less than a week later.

A jubilant Lydia Abad took possession of her new car from (left to right) Tracy Mitchell of Wise Auto Group; Bill Seiden, Jubilee Committee chair; and Brett Johnson, president of NorthBay Healthcare Foundation.

The Sunrise Event Center was filled to capacity for the Jubilee, a fundraising event for NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement, as about 1,500 ticketholders were served an array of tasty bites and sips from 65 vendors.

Hurley’s of Yountville always draws a crowd, and this year was no different as Chef Bob Hurley doled out cups of truffle-scented polenta topped with braised wild boar and crispy onion rings. Rubio’s was another popular stop on the tasting trail, as staff handed out shrimp tacos. Fenton’s offered four flavors of ice cream, and Brass Tap served cheese-covered pretzels. Other vendors offered salads, pastas, cheesecake bites and flavored olive oils. Wineries poured their award-winning best, as did several craft brewers.

This was the second year the Jubilee was held on a Saturday, but the first year for the Sunrise Event Center in Vacaville. An informal survey of both ticketholders and vendors indicated the venue was a big hit.

In addition to all the food and beverage tastings, ticket-holders were able to browse among items in a silent auction, and then move into the VIP section to dance to Rhythm Method 4.

The evening was made possible by the tireless work of volunteers and sponsors, noted Jane Hilliard, NorthBay director of Volunteer Services. Presenting sponsors included Al and Patt Shaw, Freeman Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Financial Architects Partners, Rami Yanni, Western Health Advantage and DPR Construction.

All signs indicate it was another successful event, according to Brett Johnson, president of NorthBay Healthcare Foundation.

“The Jubilee was a smashing success thanks to our very generous vendors and sponsors,” noted Bill Seiden, Jubilee committee chairman and NorthBay Healthcare Foundation board member.