The 17th Annual Washington Wines Festival Wine Weekend, held at the site of Camp Korey at Carnation Farm on July 18-19, raised more than $1.4 million for its beneficiaries: Camp Korey, The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps and the Washington Wines Education Foundation.

More than 300 guests experienced a wide range of premium Washington wines, dined on gourmet fare from some of Seattle’s top chefs and enjoyed a private concert from Grammy-nominated Lisa Loeb as well as a rare opportunity to see country stars Amy Grant and Vince Gill share the stage in an exclusive performance on July 19.

In addition to bidding on a wide range of wine, food and travel packages, the enthusiastic crowd overwhelmed Camp Korey founders and staff as a “Raise Your Paddle” item raised more than $400,000 directly for Camp Korey. There is no charge to families for children to attend Camp Korey, but it costs roughly $2,500 to send one child to camp for a week. With their donations, the weekend’s attendees made it possible for 160 children to attend camp. Tickets are available now for next year’s event to be held July 10-11, 2009 and can be purchased at www.washingttonwinesfestival.com.

Camp Korey was founded by Tim Rose, father of the late Korey Rose who passed away in 2004 at the age of 18 after being diagnosed with bone cancer. Camp Korey is currently working with the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, founded by Paul Newman, to meet the necessary requirements to become a member of the family of camps.