The 33rd Annual Detroit International Wine Auction raised $2.4 million to benefit the College for Creative Studies. Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, chaired the event and Gallagher-Kaiser was the lead sponsor. The event raised $1.1 million in sponsorships and $1.3 million in auction lots. It was the largest wine auction in Michigan and raised an incredible $2.4 million.
The auction takes place at the historic Fillmore Detroit, which opened in 1925 as a movie theater. The space has been renovated and now hosts the Detroit International Wine Auction. The Featured Vintner was Gerard Bertrand, and his Grand Lot featured a five-day and four-night wine experience in the South of France. Also, the auction featured a special Arietta Wines package designed by Fritz Hatton.
The Detroit International Wine Auction is one of the largest charitable wine events in the United States. In 2018, the auction raised $2.0 million to support CCS students and free art classes for at-risk Detroit youth. The proceeds of the event are donated by local businesses and wineries from around the world. Detroit’s College for Creative Studies and the CCS Foundation will receive a portion of the auction proceeds, which will go towards scholarship programs for CCS undergraduate students. This will create a pipeline of future design leaders and help strengthen the city’s role as a creative hub.
The 36th Detroit International Wine Auction was a celebration of the College for Creative Studies. The event also featured high-energy musical performances by the L.A. Allstars Band on the main stage. In addition, the auction featured celebrity co-auctioneer Fritz Coleman, who was also a member of the college’s board. Paul Frank, Founder of Gemstone Vineyard, was also on hand to help out.
