Indeed, in only its second year, PURPOSE doubled down and raised $2.5 million, far eclipsing the remarkable $1.3 million generated at last year’s inaugural event. With this latest success, PURPOSE continues to rise in the ranks of the top 15 grossing wine auctions in the United States.

The overwhelming success of PURPOSE stems from how it organically originated from small vintners who harnessed the power of allocation lists.

Quickly becoming renowned as “the best damn party in Paso Robles,” PURPOSE is more than fine dining, luxurious auction lots and festive live performances. It is a party with a heart, dedicated to supporting critical needs in the greater San Luis Obispo County region. This year’s theme was “Let’s get uncomfortable,” prompting guests to dig deep on behalf of those in need.

Most importantly, the event's success is not possible without the community coming together collectively: from food vendors to wineries to guests to staff to table hosts...we ALL made this happen. 

The star of this year’s show was the “Fund a Need” lot benefitting the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides academic opportunities to children of vineyard and winery workers. A total of $1.3 million was raised for this lot, with more than $1 million earmarked for the scholarship fund with the remainder being invested in upcoming projects at Must! Charities. 

"The hardest workers, those working amongst the vines and in the soil, are the ones who built the Paso wine region," said Becky Gray, Executive Director of Must! Charities. "But they aren't always the ones recognized and glamorized. It was incredibly emotional to witness the camaraderie of the crowd to come alongside these families and create opportunities in education that they may otherwise not have."

What inspired people to give?  Check out this video below...