Croquet fundraiser at Sonoma-Cutrer helps make wishes come true

Wishes often do come true. What happened Saturday on the abundantly graced grounds of ?Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards is one reason why.

A lively crowd resplendent in croquet- court white with splashes of color tasted and played and spent generously for the benefit of seriously ill youngsters with dreams of adventures or appurtenances of exploration or play that might brighten their lives.

The gathering at the winery and international croquet destination between Santa Rosa and Windsor was “Wishes in Wine Country,” a gala of Make-A-Wish of the Greater Bay Area.

It began with the Grand Tasting on the Lawn, an opportunity to smack a croquet ball on a finely trimmed court and sample freely of offerings from nearly 40 wineries and restaurants represented beneath courtside tents. There were Ferraris to admire, silent auction items to pursue and a good-natured fashion contest in which to compete.

With the arrival of dinner time, guests migrated to a grand tent. There they were welcomed by emcee Ama Daetz, the ABC7 news anchor, served a feast by John Ash & Co. and touched by tales of the wishes of some endearing children fighting for their lives.