Asante Foundation to discontinue Oregon Wine Experience

After nearly a decade of events and fundraising to support children’s health care programs, Asante Foundation will no longer host Oregon Wine Experience. After close evaluation of the overall investment and return, OWE is no longer financially viable as a fundraising event in a post-pandemic economy.

“This is one of the most difficult decisions we’ve ever had to make. Asante is incredibly honored and proud of the experience and event we created for our community,” said Andrea Reeder, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer of Asante. The Foundation decided in September to halt the event.

Since 2015, OWE has attracted tens of thousands of people from across the country to experience all things Oregon wine and to raise funds for children’s health care at Asante.

Like health systems nationwide, Asante is navigating financial challenges and is taking steps to conserve resources while remaining true to its Mission to serve its community. Simultaneously, Asante Foundation has closely evaluated its own operations and the financial feasibility of OWE.

“We have a mission to support patients and health care programs, and we must be good stewards of resources,” Reeder said. “In a post-pandemic world, due to the high cost of labor, hard goods and services, combined with inflation, OWE is no longer a financially viable fundraising event for us to host.”

Although there have been many successful efforts to conserve resources in several areas, these challenges continue to drive up costs the organization cannot sustain while successfully fundraising.

“We extend our immense gratitude to every sponsor, vendor, winery and guest who helped make OWE a reality,” Reeder said. “The outcomes and opportunities made possible through this event will continue to have an impact. You helped raise more than $12 million, and as we watch the new Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center get close to completion, we are so proud of your impact — it has truly made a difference.”

Asante owns and operates all OWE trademarks including Oregon Wine Experience, Oregon Wine Competition and Oregon Wine University. Over the next several months, the organization will evaluate its assets, inventory and individual event components to determine next steps. Asante Foundation will fulfill on all remaining OWE auction purchases through the 2023 event, and will host the final Oregon Wine University class in December 2023.

To learn more, email Asante Foundation or call (541) 789-5025.