A rising tide lifts all boats. Every year, TWFE dedicates an auction lot to benefit another well
deserving charity. When Tony Lombardi approached us about using our platform to bring
awareness and raise some funds for a cause near and dear to his heart, it was easy YES!
Meet Tyler Hilinski. From the moment he could hold a ball, Tyler always seemed to have one in his
hand. After a storied career in high school athletics, Tyler was recruited by Coach Ken Wilson at
WSU. Many describe Tyler as the happiest person in any room and on any field. He always had a
smile on his face and kind words for his friends and teammates. Tyler threw his first touchdown at
WSU as a red-shirt sophomore in the Arizona game, a 71-yard bomb. Tyler will, perhaps, best be
remembered for his play in the Boise State game. Ty was put into the game in the 4th quarter with
less than 10 minutes to play and WSU was down 31-10. Three overtimes later, Tyler threw the
game winning touchdown! WSU fans rushed the field and the WSU players hoisted Tyler on their
shoulders. From that moment on, Ty became known as the "Comeback Kid".
Just a few months later Tyler died by suicide on January 16, 2018. Tyler never showed any signs of
depression or struggle. The Hilinski's Hope Foundation (H3H) was founded in 2018 by Mark and
Kym Hilinski to honor the life of their son Tyler. Formed to promote awareness and education of
mental health and wellness for student athletes, the Foundation's mission is to educate, advocate,
and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, while funding programs that provide
student-athletes with the tools and resources that support their mental health and wellness.
Tony Lombardi has organized an amazing lot to honor Tyler and the Hilinski's. This WINE
COUNTRY TOUR for FOUR (4) GUESTS is the perfect opportunity to experience THE BEST OF
SONOMA COUNTY.
Join SARAH & MICHAEL BROWNE at their brand new CIRQ ESTATE home for a TWO-NIGHT
STAY in a VIP SUITE with panoramic views of the Russian River Valley. Sarah & Michael will lead
you through a PRIVATE ESTATE TOUR AND BARREL TASTING OF CIRQ & CHEV WINES.
DIANE & JOHN BUCHER will also host the winning bidders for A FARM STAY at their BUCOLIC
WESTSIDE ROAD ESTATE PROPERTY in Healdsburg. Diane & John will host a PRIVATE TOUR
AND TASTING AT THE BUCHER VINEYARD ESTATE in the heart of the Russian River Valley.
Head of over to COURSEY GRAVES and indulge in the serenity of their 40-acre, mountaintop
estate vineyards and winery high above the Bennett Valley. Experience a PRIVATE TOUR &
TASTING, sampling their Sonoma and Napa Valley vineyards, including the flagship Bennett
Mountain Estate.
Taking wine dinner to a new level, SAM & JENNIFER LANDO ARE COOKING YOU DINNER IN
THE PRIVACY AND COMFORT OF THEIR OWN HOME while enjoying their LIMITED
SELECTION PINOT NOIRS AND CHARDONNAYS. Bear in mind, there are no rolling vineyard
vistas or pillars of gold. The winners will receive an unforgettable, intimate evening with the Lando's
enjoy their best wines and a meal that will rival most fine dining experiences with none of the
stuffiness or pretense.
BENEFITTING:
HILINSKI'S HOPE & HEARTS
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In between these incredible experiences, Tony is taking you on a tour of his favorite lunch spots!
He's hosting the group at WILLI'S SEAFOOD & RAW BAR IN HEALDSBURG and
UNDERWOOD BAR & BISTRO IN GRATON.
The cherry on top? Tony is tying the entire package together, hosting one last WINE DINNER
FEATURING WINES FROM CIRQ, CHEV, AND LOMBARDI AT CHEF DUSTIN VALETTE'S
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED VALETTE RESTAURANT IN HEALDSBURG.
Complete with FIVE (5) MAGNUMS TO TAKE HOME, let's show H3H what we're all about here
at TWFE! Make us proud and RAISE THOSE PADDLES!