Hazlitt raises more Seneca Santa funds

HECTOR—Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards held its 17th annual Seneca Santa fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 14, where 240 guests helped raise $17,470 for the needy and less fortunate in Schuyler County during the holidays. While all the money raised during the event goes to a good cause, it is a new twist on a traditional holiday fundraiser. Even with heavy snow and poor driving conditions, the winery was still packed full of people looking to enjoy the annual holiday tradition.
The Hazlitt fundraiser has generated more than $200,000 for Seneca Santa since its inception, and there was no shortage of opportunities to contribute to the cause this year as well. There was a $10 suggested donation at the door while the event ran from noon to 5 p.m. As expected, Hazlitt offered wine by the glass in their tasting room along with a barbecue selection including beef brisket and pulled pork. The food table also featured a selection of Christmas cookies in true holiday fashion.
There were no traditional Christmas carols being sung at this event, being replaced with the Seneca Santa Blues Band playing for the dancing patrons. Those not interested in dancing instead bought raffle tickets for the auction, which features an assortment of prizes ranging from gas cards to gift baskets. The vineyard also had a kissing booth set up inside for only $2 per smooch. The booth was a popular draw, as it was not uncommon to see patrons walking around with one or more lipstick marks on the face.
A larger auction was held toward the end of the event, featuring many big-ticket items for attendees to bid on. Owner Doug Hazlitt served as auctioneer, taking bids on items donated by area businesses for the event. The first item to go was a Finger Lakes luxury escape, which sold for $200. The next item to go was a handcrafted sofa table for $375. Hazlitt’s contribution was a Red Cat beach party winter survival kit, which sold for $400. Hazlitt even threw in a case of Red Cat and three bottles of cider to encourage higher bids from the audience members.
The power tool set sold next for $375, while the Samsung TV and wood stove each went for $825 and $950 respectively. The most expensive item in the auction was a trip to Puerto Rico, which sold for $2,100. In that one auction alone, more than $5,000 was raised for Seneca Santa.