The Roots Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities in the wine and spirits industry, hosted its fourth annual The Roots Fund Charity Auction dinner on October 26th at 6 pm at the Crown Club at Barclays Center. The evening was supported by Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment (BSE), parent company of the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, and Barclays Center. Premiere auction house Zachy’s ran the live auction for the fourth year, and additional support for the evening came from valued sponsors. Thank you to BSE for the continued commitment to supporting an inclusive beverage industry. Grand Cru Selections, Champagne Louis Roederer, Parcelle, Polaner Selections, Domaine Douhin Oregon, Legras & Haas, Phillipponnat, Demeine Estates, Lingua Franca, Matt Taylor Wines, Chateau Lafleur, Eva Fricke, Caviar Dream, Winner, Art Monu, Chosen Family Wines, Ramona, Hamlet & Hound Cocktails.

Event tickets included an intimate wine experience, a four-course dinner, and a live auction of luxury experiences, including trips to Champagne, Burgundy, Oregon, Ireland, and Italy that few beverage enthusiasts will ever have access to. 

“In this current economy, the beverage industry is heavily affected, and our work has become more critical than ever,” said Ikimi Dubose-Woodson, Founder and CEO of The Roots Fund. “We're grateful for our BSE partnership and their continued commitment to our work. The Roots Fund is relentless in making an impact to last a lifetime in the hospitality community. The money we raise at this event will go directly toward job training, educational scholarships and career enrichment opportunities.”

“Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment is committed to building inclusive experiences that reflect the diversity and creativity of our community,” said Shanon Ferguson, Chief Hospitality Officer, BSE Global. “Through Brooklyn Hospitality Group and our new Brooklyn Wine Club, we’re expanding access to the world of wine, and our support of The Roots Fund builds on that mission by helping create a more equitable future for the wine and spirits industry.” Shanon Ferguson

The host for the evening was Emmy and James Beard-nominated Jermaine “Wolf of Wine” Stone of Street Somm on Tastemade.

The four-course dinner featured food prepared by famed chefs: Charlie Mitchell of SAGA, Danny Garcia of Kent Hospitality Group, Demetrius Brown of Bread & Butterfly, and Livio Velardo of The Crown Club.

The evening, which has become a must-attend for the beverage industry, featured incredible wines and the producers behind them — including Guillaume d'Angerville, Frédéric Savart, Eva Fricke, Maya Dalla Valle, Chartogne-Talliet, Chateau La Fleur, Dominique LaFon, Elena Currado, Jean-Marc Sélèque,  Guillaume Lavollée, Château Lafleur, Edouard Vocoret, and more.

Key moments of the evening included:

• The night was presented in the spirit of La Paulée de Meursault, a Burgundian harvest party for the local community. Guests were encouraged to bring wine from their cellars to share with other diners. 

• The sommelier team for the evening was led by Roots Fund scholars under the wine direction of Amy Wright.  

• Live auction, led by Jermaine Stone. The event team of TRF scholars: Lindsey Von der Weppen, Janelle Freeman, Zohna Jones,  and Jamila Janneh. 

Proceeds from the event will directly support The Roots Fund mission to empower underrepresented communities within the wine and spirits industry by building successful careers through financial support, education, mentorship, and career development, fostering their long-term success in all aspects of the beverage industry.