Seattle--The first annual fundraiser for the Pacific Northwest Research Institute, PNRI (now PNDRI), An Evening of Wine—First Flight, was held at the Golf Club at Newcastle on August 5, 2004. Over 150 people joined PNRI to show their support and bid on wine-themed packages. PNRI exceeded the fundraising goal with over $100,000 brought in, $47,200 of which is earmarked for a one year training fellowship for a post-doctoral fellow in diabetes research.

Guests experienced an unforgettable evening of extraordinary Washington State wines, provided by eight premier Washington wineries. They bid on 15 packages in a live auction and tested their taste buds to "Name That Wine" with wine expert Richard Kinssies, columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and director of the Seattle Wine School.

The event was sponsored by AWineStore.com, Gene Colin, and B & H Investments. Wine partners include Pepper Bridge Winery, Chandler Reach Vineyards, Three Rivers Winery, Saviah Cellars, Sheridan Vineyard, Dunham Cellars, Owen-Sullivan Winery, and Andrew Will Winery.

Proceeds will benefit diabetes research at PNRI, the most comprehensive program of diabetes science in the Northwest. PNRI is dedicated to the prediction, prevention, and treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.