$1 Million Gift from Tatiana and Gerret Copeland of Bouchaine Vineyards Ignites a Historic Night at Festival Napa Valley
On July 13, 2025, the Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala achieved a remarkable milestone, raising an impressive $5 million, which further solidifies its status as a premier fundraiser for the arts and education across the United States. This event took place at Nickel & Nickel, part of the House of Far Niente, and was completely sold out. The gala featured a captivating performance by Jon Batiste, a distinguished artist with seven GRAMMY Awards and an Oscar, a lively live auction overseen by renowned auctioneer Lydia Fenet, and an exquisite dinner prepared by James Beard Award-winning chef Rogelio Garcia, paired with exceptional wines from the House of Far Niente.
Notable Attendees and Highlights
The event drew a star-studded crowd, including prominent figures such as Marchese Piero Antinori, Robin and Michelle Baggett, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, among others. Mary Beth Shimmon, the gala chair, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s impact, stating, “Each year, the Gala hits a resounding note of joy and highlights the profound role the arts and education play in transforming lives.” She particularly noted the synergy between Batiste’s artistry and the festival’s new initiative, Music & Wellness, which aims to harness music’s potential to enhance mental health and foster creativity in young people.
Funding Future Programs
The gala’s proceeds are dedicated to supporting Festival Napa Valley’s various programs that focus on empowering youth through music education, wellness initiatives, free concerts, and scholarship opportunities. To date, the gala has raised over $33 million cumulatively for these vital causes.
Exciting Auction Offerings
This year’s auction showcased an array of unique experiences, including a private concert with Wynton Marsalis and a luxury trip to Hong Kong and Shanghai that included VIP access to Art Basel. Other highlights included an exclusive Parisian getaway, complete with a private dinner hosted by Jean-Charles Boisset, and a luxurious US Open experience featuring suite seating and a private tennis clinic. Jean-Charles Boisset and Kathryn Walt Hall surprised attendees by doubling the exclusive Parisian experience bid to $170,000 each, illustrating the competitive spirit of the auction.
Record-Breaking Fund A Need Initiative
A significant moment of the evening was the Fund A Need initiative, aimed at supporting innovative educational and music programs for youth. The Copelands launched this effort with an extraordinary $1 million contribution, which inspired additional donations from other guests, demonstrating a strong communal commitment to the cause.
Commitment to Education and Community Engagement
Festival Napa Valley showcased its dedication to education with a remarkable performance by American Canyon High School’s a cappella group, coached by members of Aeternum Choir. Over the past year, the festival has distributed more than $1 million in scholarships, engaged 250 artists, and supported 90 emerging musicians through free summer academies. With 70 concerts held across Napa Valley, San Francisco, and beyond, the festival has reached over 25,000 attendees, including many children and veterans through free admission events.
High Standards of Impact and Accountability
Festival Napa Valley has earned a Platinum rating on GuideStar, reflecting its commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and measurable community impact.
Looking Ahead
As it approaches its 20th Anniversary Season set for July 4-19, 2026, Festival Napa Valley is already gearing up for another spectacular Arts for All Gala, scheduled for July 12, 2026. A limited number of Patron Passes for the upcoming summer season will be available starting July 21, 2025.
About Festival Napa Valley
Festival Napa Valley is dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of music to enrich lives and foster a vibrant, engaged community. For its 2025 Summer Season, the presenting sponsor is J.P. Morgan, with premier sponsorship from notable organizations including Audi Napa Valley, Bouchaine Vineyards, and Kaiser Permanente, among others.
