About Us

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The Birth of a Classic

It all started with a casual conversation at a restaurant in 1991, when Bob and Eleanor Stanton came up with the idea of hosting a party to raise money for charity.

After a chance encounter with a wine auction in the northeast, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation was born. It has since raised $30 million for organizations supporting the education of youth in South Hampton Roads.

Our Vision

With a serious commitment to the education of young people, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation (CBWCF) strives to support the futures of students in South Hampton Roads. By organizing events that appeal to wine enthusiasts and philanthropists alike, the CBWCF has raised millions of dollars for organizations such as the ACCESS College Foundation and Tidewater Community College Skilled Trades Academy.

Since its inception in 1991, the Foundation has distributed $21 million towards the cause of empowering young people to pursue meaningful careers and fulfilling lives. With continued dedication and support from its community of board members, sponsors, donors, and volunteers, the CBWCF aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth in the region.

Fundraising Events

Staying true to our belief that education is key to a prosperous future, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation hosts wine events that not only offer a chance to enjoy exquisite wines but also provides several opportunities to support the education of our youth.

Join us in our mission to help thousands pursue meaningful careers and fulfilling lives while indulging in fine wine and giving back to the community.

Foundation Board

The Foundation Board oversees the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation’s mission and strategy, ensuring effective fundraising and distribution of charitable funds.

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  • Robert M. Stanton, Founder
  • Taylor Franklin, Chairman and President
  • Dag Zapatero, Vice President
  • Dave Jester, Vice President
  • Rodney Duckworth, Vice President
  • Bob Dardenne, Treasurer
  • Jennie Capps, Secretary

Directors

  • Steve Burke
  • Linda Church
  • Dennis Ellmer
  • Lindsey Haught
  • Laura Morrison
  • Mark Nelson
  • Tom Rich
  • Cynthia Rickman
  • Lisa Eure
  • Elizabeth Chapman, Legal Councel
  • Jennie Capps, Executive Director

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors collaborates to plan and execute successful events, manage funds, and make impactful charitable contributions to South Hampton Roads’ youth education programs.

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  • Stephen W. Burke
  • William Campbell*
  • Mary Anne Kellam-Canada*
  • Jennie Capps
  • Linda Church
  • Shana Cole
  • Robert Dardenne
  • Stephanie Douglas*
  • Rodney Duckworth
  • Patrick Duffeler*
  • Amanda Einhorn
  • Dennis M. Ellmer
  • Lisa Eure
  • Taylor Franklin
  • Stephan Gordon*
  • Joni Greene
  • David Hadder
  • Finn Host
  • Bob Howard
  • David Jester
  • Todd Jurich*
  • Brian Kint
  • Caitlin Liebler
  • Tony Nero
  • Mark Nelson
  • Chris Martini
  • Cindy McGann*
  • Connie McKenzie
  • Norman Miller, MD*
  • Alex Mitchum
  • Laura Morrison
  • Edward Oldfield, III, MD*
  • Gordon E. Parker, Jr.
  • Russell Proctor*
  • Gray Randolph*
  • Cynthia Rickman
  • Ben Rountree
  • Virginia Rountree
  • Will Russell
  • Tom Rich, MD
  • Eleanor Stanton
  • Robert M. Stanton
  • Robert L. Stein*
  • Joe Takach*
  • Elsa Tiritilli
  • Ross Vierra
  • Robert H. Wells
  • Dag Zapatero
  • Greg Zimpel

Learn More

  • Robert M. Stanton, Founder
  • Taylor Franklin, Chairman and President
  • Dag Zapatero, Vice President
  • Dave Jester, Vice President
  • Rodney Duckworth, Vice President
  • Mark Nelson, Treasurer
  • Jennie Capps, Secretary

Directors

  • Steve Burke
  • Linda Church
  • Dennis Ellmer
  • Lindsey Haught
  • Alex Mitchum
  • Laura Morrison
  • Tom Rich
  • Cynthia Rickman
  • Lisa Eure
  • Jennie Capps, Executive Director
  • Elizabeth Chapman, Legal Councel

Learn More

  • Stephen W. Burke
  • William Campbell*
  • Mary Anne Kellam-Canada*
  • Jennie Capps
  • Linda Church
  • Shana Cole
  • Alex Dale
  • Robert Dardenne*
  • Stephanie Douglas*
  • Rodney Duckworth
  • Patrick Duffeler*
  • Amanda Einhorn
  • Dennis M. Ellmer
  • Lisa Eure
  • Taylor Franklin
  • Stephan Gordon*
  • David Hadder
  • Lindsey Haught
  • Finn Host
  • Bob Howard
  • David Jester
  • Todd Jurich*
  • Brian Kint
  • Caitlin Liebler
  • Tony Nero
  • Mark Nelson
  • Chris Martini
  • Cindy McGann*
  • Connie McKenzie
  • Norman Miller, MD*
  • Alex Mitchum
  • Laura Morrison
  • Edward Oldfield, III, MD*
  • Gordon E. Parker, Jr.
  • Russell Proctor*
  • Gray Randolph*
  • Cynthia Rickman
  • Ben Rountree
  • Virginia Rountree
  • Dare Ruffin
  • Will Russell
  • Tom Rich, MD
  • Eleanor Stanton
  • Robert M. Stanton
  • Robert L. Stein*
  • Joe Takach*
  • Elsa Tiritilli
  • Ross Vierra
  • Robert H. Wells
  • Dag Zapatero
  • Greg Zimpel

Charitable Giving

Charitable Giving is the cornerstone of CBWCF’s mission, enabling thousands of underprivileged students to pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and fulfilling lives.

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First organized in 1991, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation has donated more than $30 million for designated charities, especially those that support educational programs benefiting young people in Hampton Roads.

The Foundation’s primary beneficiary is the Access College Foundation, which helps students attain higher education through counseling, assisting with SAT preparation and securing or providing scholarships.

Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation, 2019 Wine, Women & Fishing, Charity Fishing Tournament, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (Photos Courtesy of CBWCF)

All Beneficiaries

All beneficiaries of CBWCF’s efforts, particularly the Access College Foundation, benefit from the foundation’s fundraising efforts, which have raised and distributed millions of dollars to support youth education in South Hampton Roads.

Learn More

Grant Request Guidelines

  • ACCESS College Foundation
  • An Achievable Dream Academy
  • Brock Environmental Center
  • Cancer Care Connection
  • Careers through Culinary Arts Program
  • Charles Barker Champions for Children
  • Chesapeake Bay Academy
  • Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
  • Chrysler Museum of Art
  • Combat Wounded Coalition
  • Community Foundation Sonoma County
  • Eastern Shore Chapel Food Bank
  • Eastern Virginia Medical School
  • Eliza Hope Foundation
  • Equi-Kids
  • Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater
  • Fear 2 Freedom
  • Feast it Forward
  • Friends of First Landing State Park
  • Grace Family Foundation
  • Great Bridge Battlefield Historical Society
  • Jamison Animal Rescue Ranch
  • Judeo Christian Outreach Center
  • Land Trust of Napa Valley
  • Lee’s Friends
  • Les Dames d’Escoffier
  • Lynchburg College Men’s Lacrosse
  • Lynnhaven River NOW
  • Miguel & Carolina Hernandez Memorial Endowment
  • Napa Valley Community Foundation
  • Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition
  • Napa Land Trust
  • Norfolk Collegiate
  • Norfolk Friends of Foster Care
  • Horizons Hampton Roads
  • Indigo
  • Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
  • Saint Francis Service Dogs
  • Samaritan House
  • Seton Youth Shelters
  • Together We Can Foundation
  • Norfolk Academy
  • Norfolk Collegiate School
  • Muscarelle Museum of Art Foundation
  • Tidewater Friends of Foster Care
  • Hope for Life Rescue, Inc.
  • Old Dominion University Scholarship Fund
  • Princess Anne Garden Club
  • Priority Charity Bowl
  • Relay for Life
  • Roanoke Island Historical Association
  • Southern Foodways Alliance
  • St. Mary’s Home for the Disabled
  • St. Matthews School
  • St. Francis Service Dogs
  • Stop Abuse, Inc.
  • Teacher 2 Teacher
  • The Crop Foundation
  • The Lost Colony
  • Johnson & Wales University
  • I Need A Lighthouse Foundation
  • Hampton Roads Community Foundation
  • Virginia MOCA
  • Norfolk Public Schools—Strolling Silver Strings
  • United Jewish Federation
  • Grace Family Foundation
  • Vanguard Landing
  • Virginia Beach Bluewater Fishing Club
  • Virginia Beach Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc.
  • Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
  • Virginia Beach Public Schools
  • Virginia Beach Rescue Squad
  • Virginia Beach SPCA
  • Virginia Gentlemen Foundation
  • Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation
  • Virginia Military Institute
  • Virginia Peninsula Foodbank
  • Virginia Supportive Housing
  • Williamsburg Hospice and Support Care
  • World Central Kitchen
  • YESCarolina
  • A Cure for Robert
  • AidNow – Jump Start Program
  • Alice’s Kids
  • All Saints Episcopal Church
  • Andros Bonefish Charitable Trust
  • Barry Robinson St. Patrick Catholic
  • Begin Again Foundation
  • Broadwater Academy
  • Cape Henry Collegiate
  • d’Art Center
  • The New E3 Early Education
  • For Kids Foundation
  • Friends of Amani USA
  • Hope House
  • Hurrah Players
  • LIFT Fitness Foundation
  • Maverick Learning Center
  • McLeskey Comprehensive Breast Center
  • Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
  • St. Catherine’s School Foundation
  • St. Gregory the Great Catholic School
  • The Chas Foundation
  • Tidewater Community College Skilled Trades Academy
  • Tidewater Friends of Foster Care
  • Vida Valiente Foundation

Learn More

First organized in 1991, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation has donated more than $30 million for designated charities, especially those that support educational programs benefiting young people in Hampton Roads.

The Foundation’s primary beneficiary is the Access College Foundation, which helps students attain higher education through counseling, assisting with SAT preparation and securing or providing scholarships.

Learn More

  • ACCESS College Foundation
  • An Achievable Dream Academy
  • Brock Environmental Center
  • Cancer Care Connection
  • Careers through Culinary Arts Program
  • Charles Barker Champions for Children
  • Chesapeake Bay Academy
  • Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
  • Chrysler Museum of Art
  • Combat Wounded Coalition
  • Community Foundation Sonoma County
  • Eastern Shore Chapel Food Bank
  • Eastern Virginia Medical School
  • Eliza Hope Foundation
  • Equi-Kids
  • Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater
  • Fear 2 Freedom
  • Feast it Forward
  • Friends of First Landing State Park
  • Grace Family Foundation
  • Great Bridge Battlefield Historical Society
  • Jamison Animal Rescue Ranch
  • Judeo Christian Outreach Center
  • Land Trust of Napa Valley
  • Lee’s Friends
  • Les Dames d’Escoffier
  • Lynchburg College Men’s Lacrosse
  • Lynnhaven River NOW
  • Miguel & Carolina Hernandez Memorial Endowment
  • Napa Valley Community Foundation
  • Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition
  • Napa Land Trust
  • Norfolk Collegiate
  • Norfolk Friends of Foster Care
  • Horizons Hampton Roads
  • Indigo
  • Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
  • Saint Francis Service Dogs
  • Samaritan House
  • Seton Youth Shelters
  • Together We Can Foundation
  • Norfolk Academy
  • Norfolk Collegiate School
  • Muscarelle Museum of Art Foundation
  • Tidewater Friends of Foster Care
  • Hope for Life Rescue, Inc.
  • Old Dominion University Scholarship Fund
  • Princess Anne Garden Club
  • Priority Charity Bowl
  • Relay for Life
  • Roanoke Island Historical Association
  • Southern Foodways Alliance
  • St. Mary’s Home for the Disabled
  • St. Matthews School
  • St. Francis Service Dogs
  • Stop Abuse, Inc.
  • Teacher 2 Teacher
  • The Crop Foundation
  • The Lost Colony
  • Johnson & Wales University
  • I Need A Lighthouse Foundation
  • Hampton Roads Community Foundation
  • Virginia MOCA
  • Norfolk Public Schools—Strolling Silver Strings
  • United Jewish Federation
  • Grace Family Foundation
  • Vanguard Landing
  • Virginia Beach Bluewater Fishing Club
  • Virginia Beach Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc.
  • Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
  • Virginia Beach Public Schools
  • Virginia Beach Rescue Squad
  • Virginia Beach SPCA
  • Virginia Gentlemen Foundation
  • Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation
  • Virginia Military Institute
  • Virginia Peninsula Foodbank
  • Virginia Supportive Housing
  • Williamsburg Hospice and Support Care
  • World Central Kitchen
  • YESCarolina
  • ANCHOR Scholarship Foundation
  • Dental Foundation of North Carolina, Inc.
  • Hospice House Hampton Roads; Judeo-Christian Outreach Center
  • Navy Seal Foundation
  • Norfolk SPCA
  • River Ellis Foundation
  • Vibe Creative District
  • Third Option
  • Elevate Early Education
  • Green Run Collegiate
  • Virginia Beach Billfish Foundation
  • Horizons Hampton Roads
  • A Cure for Robert
  • AidNow – Jump Start Program
  • Alice’s Kids
  • All Saints Episcopal Church
  • Andros Bonefish Charitable Trust
  • Barry Robinson St. Patrick Catholic
  • Begin Again Foundation
  • Broadwater Academy
  • Cape Henry Collegiate
  • d’Art Center
  • The New E3 Early Education
  • For Kids Foundation
  • Friends of Amani USA
  • Hope House
  • Hurrah Players
  • LIFT Fitness Foundation
  • Maverick Learning Center
  • McLeskey Comprehensive Breast Center
  • Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
  • St. Catherine’s School Foundation
  • St. Gregory the Great Catholic School
  • The Chas Foundation
  • Tidewater Community College Skilled Trades Academy
  • Tidewater Friends of Foster Care
  • Vida Valiente Foundation

Stay In Touch

Stay connected with the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation and its mission to support education for South Hampton Roads youth through wine-related events and the Access College Foundation.