Annual fundraiser to support student-run health clinics returns to in-person event

The annual Silent Auction and Wine Tasting Benefit for the UC Davis School of Medicine affiliated student-run clinics is returning as an in-person event this year. The 43rd annual fundraiser will be held at Betty Irene Moore Hall on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 5-9 p.m.

All proceeds from the fundraiser — including ticket sales and auction proceeds — benefit the 13 UC Davis School of Medicine-affiliated student-run clinics. This year, organizers hope to raise $100,000.

“We are very excited to have our annual silent auction and wine tasting benefit return as an in-person event again this year,” said Arina Nisanova, a second-year medical student and co-officer of the event’s public relations team. “Not being able to hold a formal auction and only collecting online donations the last two years due to the pandemic has been challenging. As a result, our clinics have incurred reduced funding. This year we hope to raise additional funds to help continue providing services that our most vulnerable members of the community need.”

Student-run clinics in the inner-city neighborhoods of Sacramento have been affiliated with the UC Davis School of Medicine for more than 40 years, providing free health care to uninsured, low-income and other underserved communities. These clinics serve over 8,000 patients annually. They operate on weekends and deliver care to several distinct groups of patients, providing them culturally sensitive health care in a respectful and comfortable environment. For many people, the clinics represent the only possible source of health care besides the emergency room.

The clinics are staffed by health professions student volunteers who gain valuable experience. They include undergraduates from UC Davis, medical students from the School of Medicine and students from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. They are monitored by volunteer physicians in the role of preceptors or instructors.

“The crucial funding raised during our event will go toward maintaining services and purchasing supplies and equipment to provide quality care to vulnerable local patient populations,” added Nisanova.

This year's gathering is a masquerade ball theme and will feature a live auction, silent auction, raffle and a wine pool. The live auction will be emceed by UC Davis School of Medicine anatomy professors Douglas Gross and Richard Tucker. Auction items include unique wines which were donated by local wineries, breweries, and businesses.

The event will also feature wine tastings hosted by five Northern California wineries, hors d'oeuvres, a photo booth, music and photography.

To purchase tickets, or to learn more about the fundraiser and student-run clinics, visit the event site. If you are unable to attend, please consider donating. All donations are 501c3 tax deductible and 100% of the donation goes directly to the clinics.