---
title: "Runway Chardonnay: When Giving Feels Like a Celebration"
description: Runway Chardonnay blends fashion, wine and music in a relaxed charity event at Trevi Hills Winery – fostering community spirit, creativity and giving
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2025-07-01T11:29:19.000Z
updated: 2026-02-26T22:04:58.223Z
canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/runway-chardonnay-when-giving-feels-like-a-celebration
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/hhbswimab9c.jpg
categories: Philanthropic Minds
content_type: Feature
region: San Diego
publication: Rich Woman Magazine
---

The late afternoon sun casts a golden glow across the rolling hills of Lakeside, where rows of grapevines stretch towards the horizon and the scent of summer mingles with anticipation. At Trevi Hills Winery, something special happens when fashion meets philanthropy – not the polished, corporate charity events you might expect, but an afternoon where giving back feels as natural as sharing a glass of wine with friends.

Tomorrow, 21 June, marks the fifth year of Runway Chardonnay. The event has quietly become one of San Diego’s most genuine expressions of community giving. What started as a simple idea has grown into something that brings together people who genuinely want to make a difference, using the things they love – wine, fashion and music – as a backdrop for supporting local charities.

## At The Heart Of Giving

Barbara and Robert Cafaro didn’t set out to become event hosts. The couple, longtime supporters of various community causes, found themselves drawn to the idea of creating something that felt more like a celebration than a duty. Year after year, they’ve opened the doors of [Trevi Hills Winery](https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/trevi-hills-winery) not because they have to, but because they’ve seen firsthand how these afternoons create genuine connections between people and causes.

The fashion element comes courtesy of Dawn Sebaugh, whose [WALA brand transforms art into wearable pieces](https://thefacesofsandiego.com/dawn-hough-sebaugh/). Since founding Wear Art Live Art in 2018, Sebaugh has made philanthropy a core part of her business philosophy. She’s donated artwork to charities including the Sherman Oaks Burn Centre and UNICEF, but the runway shows hold special meaning for her – they’re a chance to showcase local talent while supporting causes that matter to the community.

‘I paint abstracts, print them on fabric, and create one-of-a-kind clothing,’ Sebaugh explains about her process. For her, the WALA fashion shows represent more than artistic expression; they’re about using creativity as a force for good.

## More Than Wine and Fashion

What guests experience at Runway Chardonnay goes beyond the obvious attractions. There’s live music by renowned DJ Ben Fernandez, and there are curated wines from the winery’s selection. But regulars come back for something harder to quantify – the feeling of being part of [something meaningful](https://richwoman.co/article/honouring-three-decades-of-making-youth-sports-possible-and-the-power-of-creating-a-better-fu) without the stuffiness that can accompany charity events.

The suggested $25 donation might seem modest, but it reflects the event’s philosophy: giving should be accessible, not exclusive. Previous years have supported causes like [Music Therapy for Veterans](http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/runway-chardonnay-fundraiser-may-27-music-therapy-veteransrunway-chardonnay-fundraiser-may-27-music), showing the organisers’ commitment to addressing real needs in their community rather than following trends.

Dr Rob Garcia, founder of SHIFT Magazine and media sponsor for the event, puts it simply: ‘This event is more than just fashion and wine. It’s about bringing people together to make an impact. We’re proud to showcase local talent and generosity whilst raising funds for an important cause.’

Much like other [fashion-led charity events](https://richwoman.co/article/fashion-led-charity-events-gain-momentum-as-powerhouses-for-health-advocacy) that have gained momentum recently, Runway Chardonnay shows how creative expressions can amplify charitable causes. The event demonstrates that people increasingly seek opportunities to contribute in ways that align with their interests and values.

## Building Something That Lasts

Five years might not seem like a long time, but when it comes to community events, consistency matters. The fact that the same core group of organisers continues to host Runway Chardonnay speaks to something deeper than obligation – it suggests they’ve found a formula that works for everyone involved.

[Local giving initiatives](https://www.sandiego.org/meeting-planners/articles/how-groups-can-give-back-in-san-diego.aspx) in San Diego have shown that successful charity events often share common characteristics: they’re rooted in genuine community connections, supported by people who are personally invested in the cause, and designed to be enjoyable rather than burdensome for participants.

Trevi Hills Winery itself embodies this community-focused approach. Beyond hosting events like Runway Chardonnay, [the winery involves local community members](https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/trevi-hills-winery) in activities such as hand-picking grape harvests and volunteering, creating multiple touchpoints for community engagement throughout the year.

The model shares similarities with [community-driven fundraising initiatives](https://richwoman.co/article/community-running-events-drive-record-breaking-local-fundraising-success) that have proven successful elsewhere. Rather than writing a cheque and walking away, events like this create ongoing relationships between donors and causes, fostering a sense of investment that goes beyond the financial contribution.

## An Invitation to Experience Giving

For those considering attending tomorrow’s event, the appeal isn’t just about supporting a good cause – though that’s certainly part of it. It’s about discovering how charitable giving can feel less like an obligation and more like a natural extension of spending time with like-minded people.

The afternoon runs from 3.00pm to 7.00pm at Trevi Hills Winery on Muth Valley Road in Lakeside, offering plenty of time to enjoy the fashion show, sample wines, listen to music and [connect with others who share similar values](https://richwoman.co/article/siblings-in-the-spotlight-how-family-bonds-power-jarc-s-summer-fundraiser-after-budget-cuts). Authentic community connections can feel increasingly rare, so events like Runway Chardonnay offer something genuinely valuable: proof that [giving back doesn’t have to feel like work](https://richwoman.co/article/the-power-of-small-actions-pets-and-kids-bringing-families-together-this-autumn) when it’s built around the things that bring people together naturally.

After five years, Runway Chardonnay continues to feel fresh rather than formulaic. That’s what happens when an event grows out of genuine enthusiasm rather than obligation – it creates space for both celebration and service, proving that the best charitable giving often happens when it doesn’t feel like charity at all.