Sampling with the Sharks Nets More Than $350,000

The Sharks Foundation raised more than $350,000 with the support of the San Jose Sharks and San Jose Barracuda rosters, coaches, broadcasters and 400 guests at its signature fundraiser Sampling with the Sharks on Tuesday, February 11 at SAP Center.
The annual event included two hours of wine tasting and interaction with Sharks and Barracuda VIPs, a unique live and silent auction that featured one-of-a-kind Sharks experiences and memorabilia and the opportunity to take a photo with the iconic Shark Head.

Guests had the opportunity to purchase upgraded tickets that hosted a VIP reception in the exclusive BMW Lounge for additional time with their favorite Sharks & Barracuda VIPs in a more intimate setting. The VIP reception also featured specialty wine and cocktails, and a whiskey tasting from Jack Daniel's.

Twenty wineries from throughout Northern California participated and offered their finest varieties along the bowl floor, including Pride Mountain, Miner Family Winery, Schramsberg Vineyards, Silver Oak Cellars, Dos Lagos and Vineyard 7&8. HMQ Band added to the fun with upbeat music throughout the evening. Guests could also participate in a Ring Toss for an opportunity to win bottles of wine that were graciously donated by participating wineries.
Those who attended also had the opportunity to purchase Stephen Silver Mystery Boxes for a chance to win the grand prize of a custom Stephen Silver halo ring or a Bulgari Watch.

The evening included two live auctions, during the exclusive VIP Reception and on the bowl floor, which featured unique player experiences and raised $161,000. One live auction package included an opportunity to travel to London, Ontario, Canada for an all-expenses-paid trip to captain Logan Couture's casino night fundraiser.

The event's silent auction raised nearly $40,000 and included a variety of experiences, such as dinner with the San Jose Barracuda coaches and an opportunity to have dinner with Sharks Play-By-Play broadcaster, Dan Rusanowsky, as well as exclusive signed Sharks used equipment, memorabilia, and artwork.
Sampling with the Sharks continues to be the largest fundraising event for the Sharks Foundation each season and will help improve the lives of underserved youth and families in the Bay Area. Proceeds will benefit numerous programs and projects through the Sharks Foundation's annual Giving Campaign.

The Sharks Foundation would like to thank our Splash Sponsor: SAP, Sip Sponsors: S&M Moving Systems and Enterprise, Event Partners: Joseph George Wines, San Jose Arena Authority, Frost Cupcake Factory, Williams Party Rentals and Citti's Florists, Mystery Box Raffle Partner: Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry, Media Partner: Modern Luxury, Silicon Valley and Beverage Partners: Pepsi, Aquafina, Jack Daniel's, Lagunitas Brewing Company and participating wineries.
To learn more about the Sharks Foundation's Sampling with the Sharks wine tasting fundraiser,
click here
.