CureDuchenne’s ‘Napa In Newport’ Wine Auction Raises More Than $700,000

The second annual Napa in Newport drew more than 420 guests in a sold-out event that raised more than $700,000 to help to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The money will go to CureDuchenne, a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne.

The event was chaired by Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi, who own the Darioush vineyards and winery. In addition, 41 of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries treated guests to a fabulous wine tasting.

Emcee for the event was actor Richard Burgi. The auction offered premier and rarely available wines and tailored experiences such as a VIP tour at Bond Napa Valley and wine experiences with Dana Estates; Davis Estates; Darioush; Vineyard 29; and ZD Wines. A vintner premier collection of more than 30 large-format wine bottles was a highlight of the auction.

Founders of CureDuchenne Debra and Paul Miller welcomed guests and expressed their thankfulness for the generous support for the organization. The couple’s son, Hawken, was diagnosed with Duchenne when he was just 5. Thirteen years later, the couple is still on a mission to find a cure for the disease.

“When our son was diagnosed with a fatal disease we were told there was no hope,” Debra Miller said in a press release. “We refused to accept a future without hope, so we created a nonprofit to find treatments and a cure for Duchenne. We need heroes in the fight to save the lives of our son and all of those with Duchenne. The humbling support we receive at Napa in Newport strengthens us for the journey ahead and provides hope for the more than 300,000 children and young adults around the world with Duchenne. CureDuchenne is the leading Duchenne research organization and the funds we raise are applied to leading-edge science that will have a major impact on the future of all Duchenne boys.”

CureDuchenne has been exceptionally successful in using venture philanthropy to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne. The organization has a panel of scientific advisers who makes sure the funds raised reach the most promising Duchenne research.

This has led to the advancement of seven CureDuchenne research projects into human clinical trials. Few other health-related nonprofits have been so successful in catalyzing research reaching human clinical trials.