 "Photo: Erik Christiansen/Poly Post")
 "Photo: Photos by Brandon Tan/Poly Post")
 "Photo: Photos by Brandon Tan/Poly Post")
Clear, sunny weather and cool breezes set the springtime mood for the second annual Southern California Tasting & Auction last Sunday.
Old and new friends of the campus community mingled with one another as the Cal Poly Jazz Combo performed.
Guests made their way through the Japanese Garden and into the Rose Garden, where they greeted by somelieres were ready to pour.
The event, which aimed to raise money for students to offset tuition increases, featured an array of foods, wines and beers from more than 30 vendors.
The event attracted many first-time guests, which Rachiel Lucero, director of events and special projects, said was the highlight of the tasting and auction.
“It was intended to bring the campus community back together, so it was exciting to see so many new faces here,” said Lucero.
For some guests, the event was a way to reunite with old friends; for others, it was a way to taste some of the area’s best food.
Chino Hills resident Peter Sohms said he was impressed by the extensive lineup of vendors.
“I’ve been to tasting and auction events like these before, but it was interesting to see a good mix of restaurants and wineries – that’s what’s going to keep me coming back again,” said Sohms.
Some said the event is a way for students to recognize the university’s established relationship with local vendors.
“This a good way for students to see that Cal Poly has a good reputation with these restaurants if they’re able to sponsor with us,” said John Abary, a fourth-year marketing student and volunteer.
Throughout the event, guests snapped photographs with the Arabian horses, as well as with Tony the Tiger, who made a surprise appearance.
A live and silent auction was also held, and included items such as signed entertainment and sports memorabilia.
Ani Markarian, senior graphic designer for the university, auctioned off an original painting that depicted the campus’ rolling hills.
“It’s my pleasure to help raise money for students in every way I can,” said Markarian.
“The painting’s Earth tones really set the color scheme for the event.”
To enhance the auction experience, the event partnered with Bang the Gavel Auction Services to provide professional auctioneers.
One-of-a-kind items were auctioned off, such as a baseball autographed by President Barack Obama, an Andy Warhol serigraph collage, and his-and-hers electric bikes from Green Tec.
Before the live auction, guests huddled around the most popular auction item of the night – a golden retriever puppy, which sold for $2,250.
The event culminated with a performance by guitarist Clark Atterbury, who performed acoustic covers.
Reach Cielestia Calbay at
lifestyle@thepolypost.com
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