Olive Crest Hosts 11th Annual Gala Auction “Feats of Wonder”

Held at The Westin Bellevue March 5 at 6:00 p.m.

BELLEVUE, Wash.- (February 18, 2011) Olive Crest’s 11^th Annual Gala Auction, “Feats of Wonder”, will bring many super heroes together to transform the lives of at-risk children through the healing power of family.

11^th Annual Gala Auction

Saturday, March 5 at 6:00 p.m.

· Tickets are $150 per person, or $1,500 to reserve a table of 10

· The evening will feature two special drawings:

Best of Live Drawing, $150 per ticket (with a limit of one ticket per person). The winning ticket holder can choose one item from Best of Live auction collection. (Not to exceed the total amount of sales)

Opportunity Drawing, $25 per ticket (unlimited ticket purchase). The winning ticket holder wins an Apple iPad Wi Fi 326 GB HD.

· Registration and Silent Auction begin at 6:00 p.m.

· Dinner and the Live Auction begin at 7:30 p.m.

· Space is limited. RSVP by February 25 online or contact Toni Young, at toni-young@olivecrest.org or (425) 462-1612 ext. 1312

All proceeds from the “Feats of Wonder” Annual Gala Auction directly benefit Olive Crest’s mission of preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children, and preserving the family.

Last year’s event raised $390,000. This year, Olive Crest hopes to raise even more funds to support its critical programs for at-risk children and families.

The evening will include a delicious dinner by The Westin Bellevue, and live and silent auctions where guests will have the opportunity to bid on premium items such as fine wine, vacation packages, and enticing gift baskets.

“The Annual Gala Auction usually draws around 400 guests and is our largest fundraiser of the year. We are so grateful to have so many super heroes eager to help our children and families,” says Toni Young, special events manager for Olive Crest. “We are expecting another wonderful year, especially with all of the generous wine donations we received from our “Grape Expectations” event in October.”

For those who cannot attend the event but wish to make a contribution, donations can be made online at any time, or mailed to Olive Crest, 515 116^th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 50,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families. We work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. With unwavering compassion, the Olive Crest family maintains a lifelong commitment to the youth and families we serve even after they have graduated from our programs. Olive Crest serves nearly 1,000 children and families each day throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. For more information call 1-800-550-CHILD (2445) or visit www.olivecrest.org.

Waterways Cruises Welcomes Paula Webb as Director of Business Development and Operations

Seattle-Native Webb Brings 27 Years’ Experience in Food Service and Hospitality Industries

Waterways Cruises Welcomes Paula Webb as Director of Business Development and Operations

Seattle-Native Webb Brings 27 Years’ Experience in Food Service and Hospitality Industries

SEATTLE, Wash.—(February 16, 2011)— Waterways Cruises and Events is pleased to announce the hiring of Paula Webb as Director of Business Development and Operations.

Webb joins the team to help meet growing customer demand for the company’s dining cruises and private charters. She will act as a liaison within Waterways Cruises’ operational components by developing partnerships, systems and procedures, and furthering growth opportunities for the company’s private charter business.

“We are excited to welcome Paula to the Waterways Cruises leadership team. Paula brings proven food service leadership, extensive experience in catering, and a strong reputation for client service within our industry,” says Hilton Smith, CEO and Founder of Waterways Cruises and Events.

A Seattle-area native, Webb comes to Waterways Cruises after 27 years in the food service and hospitality industries.  Most recently she held the position of General Manager with Restaurants Unlimited, Inc. Her previous professional credits include General Manager and West Coast Regional Sales and Marketing positions with Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group. Webb has also served on the Corporate Training teams for Planet Hollywood and Red Robin.

Continues Smith, “Paula’s appointment strengthens our execution capabilities for Waterways Cruises’ ambitious growth initiatives and underscores our commitment to operational excellence.”

Waterways Cruises and Events was founded in 1994 and grew from a small, family-owned, single-yacht operation into Seattle’s most upscale dining cruise and private yacht charter company. It operates three dining and entertainment yachts (M/V Emerald Star, M/V Olympic Star, and M/V Destiny), accommodating upwards of 50,000 guests per year aboard its cruises on Lake Union and Lake Washington. Waterways Cruises and Events also offers gourmet in-house catering and a large outdoor space for private events at Southport Meadow in Renton. Learn more at http://www.waterwayscruises.com.

Follow Waterways Cruises and Events Online

Website: http://www.waterwayscruises.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/waterwayscruise

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waterways-Cruises/82709613073

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Brotherton Cadillac’s Race For a Ride Raises Money for Five Charities with Night Out Event and Chance to Win Cadillac on Twitter

Seattle Gordon Biersch to Donate 15 Percent of Proceeds From Dine-in and Take-Out Food Sales During Event

Brotherton Cadillac’s Race For a Ride Raises Money for Five Charities with Night Out Event and Chance to Win Cadillac on Twitter

Seattle Gordon Biersch to Donate 15 Percent of Proceeds From Dine-in and Take-Out Food Sales During Event

Wednesday, February 23 from 5 to 10 p.m.

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SEATTLE, Wash.—(February 17, 2011)—Brotherton Cadillac and Seattle Gordon Biersch are raising money for five charities by asking guests to dine during the Race for a Ride Night Out event.

WHO:             Brotherton Cadillac’s Race for a Ride

www.raceforaride.com

WHAT:          Night Out event at Seattle Gordon Biersch

· Gordon Biersch is donating 15 percent of all proceeds from dine-in and take-out food sales to Race for a Ride.

· Race for a Ride will split the money raised evenly among the nonprofits: The Arthritis Foundation, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, The Moyer Foundation, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and Special Olympics of Washington.

Race for a Ride is a campaign to raise money and awareness for five charities by offering the chance to win a Cadillac on Twitter:

· Brotherton Cadillac in Renton, Wash. is giving away a new 2011 Cadillac CTS on Twitter.

· Participants enter by mentioning their favorite of the five charities in a tweet. Each tweet or retweet counts as a separate entry.

· Winner is selected from the pool of tweets mentioning the nonprofit that raised the most money through the website.

· Contest ends February 28, 2011.

WHERE:        Gordon Biersch (located in Pacific Place)

600 Pine Street, Level 4

Seattle, WA 98101

WHEN:          Wednesday, February 23, 5 to 10 p.m.

Find the event on Facebook

About Brotherton Cadillac

Brotherton Cadillac is a fourth generation family-owned dealership, serving the Puget Sound for over 90 years. The dealership sells new and pre-owned vehicles including Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Located in Renton, Washington since 2001, the dealership provides service and accessories for GM products. Visit their website for additional information at http://www.brothertoncadillac.com.

About Nology Media

Nology Media is a content publishing, measurement, and marketing agency using social media tools and platforms to intimately connect brands with their audiences. Based in Seattle, Washington, the agency plans, executes and manages each client’s social media strategy as a key component of their broader marketing mix. Clients include leading consumer, technology, health care, non-profit, financial service and insurance companies. Visit the website for additional information, http://nologymedia.com/.

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Race for a Ride: The First Contest to Give Away a Brand New Cadillac on Twitter

One Month Left to Enter for a Chance to Win a New 2011 Cadillac CTS and Help Support Five Local Non-Profits

SEATTLE, Wash.—(February 10, 2011)—The countdown is on to give away the first Cadillac on Twitter. In just one month, Brotherton Cadillac in Renton, Washington, will be awarding the grand prize in its Race for a Ride Charity Drive to one very lucky Twitter user. Race for a Ride is the first such campaign simultaneously to raise awareness and funds for five non-profits: The Arthritis Foundation, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, The Moyer Foundation, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics of Washington.

Donors have raised nearly $23,000 total for the five participating non-profits over the course of the campaign to date. In the final month of the contest, several events will be held. Race for a

Ride Night Out will take place at Gordon Biersch Restaurant in downtown Seattle on Wednesday, February 23 from 5 to 10 p.m.: Gordon Biersch will donate a portion of its proceeds from dine-in and take-out food sales during the Night Out event to the Race for a Ride causes.

In the final weeks of the contest, the prized 2011 Cadillac CTS will make appearances at several events and locations across the Seattle area. Upon contest completion, a ceremony will be held at the Brotherton Cadillac Renton showroom to announce the winner of the car.

“As this contest reaches its final month, we can already measure its success not only in funds raised, but also in the incredible amount of awareness and support these five non-profits have garnered through social media,” states Brad Brotherton, President of Brotherton Cadillac. “We look forward to ending Race for a Ride with a huge, final fund-raising push, and to the continuing impact of each organization’s amazing work in our community.”

The contest is simple: Contestants raise awareness for their favorite participating non-profit by mentioning it in a tweet, and they may enter as many times as they wish; each unique tweet counts as one entry. When the contest is over, a winner is selected from the pool of tweets mentioning the non-profit that raised the most money through the website http://www.raceforaride.com.

Presenting sponsors in the Brotherton Cadillac Race for a Ride include: RBC Wealth Management, Pacific Place Mall, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine and Nology Media.

About Brotherton Cadillac

Brotherton Cadillac is a fourth generation family-owned dealership, serving the Puget Sound for over 90 years. The dealership sells new and pre-owned vehicles including Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Located in Renton Washington since 2001, the dealership provides service and accessories for GM products. Visit their website for additional information at http://www.brothertoncadillac.com.

About Nology Media

Nology Media is a content publishing, measurement, and marketing agency using social media tools and platforms to intimately connect brands with their audiences. Based in Seattle, Washington, the agency plans, executes and manages each client’s social media strategy as a key component of their broader marketing mix. Clients include leading consumer, technology, healthcare, non-profit, financial service and insurance companies. Visit the website for additional information, http://nologymedia.com/.

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Patterson Cellars Celebrates Release of Syrah and Forbidden Red

Seductive New Wines Set the Mood for Valentine’s Day

Woodinville, Wash.—(February 4, 2011)—With the release of their 2008 Forbidden Red and 2007 Syrah, Patterson Cellars is introducing two wines that are as enticing as a romantic soundtrack, just in time for the most passionate day of the year.

When winemaker John Patterson released Forbidden Red in 2003 he had no idea that it would become such a cult favorite. Affordable and easy to drink, it pairs perfectly with Al Green: A master of soulful seduction, this nimble wine practically insists, “here I am, come and take me.”

It may bear an enigmatic name and a playful label, but the 2008 bottling contains a seriously irresistible mélange of five grapes, including Touriga. An unusual varietal in the U.S., Touriga has traditionally been used in blends for the best ports. Considered by many to be Portugal’s finest grape, it provides structure and body, displaying high tannins and concentrated flavors of fruit.

2008 Patterson Cellars Forbidden Red, $21

32% Touriga, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Primitivo, 15% Cabernet Franc, 14% Mourvedre

Available for purchase through the winery only.

Tasting Notes:

Giant wine. Bright fruit influenced by raspberry and strawberry with balanced acids that make the finish as great as the first sip. Lay this wine down as long as you like.

If the Forbidden Red brings to mind Al Green, the 2007 Syrah offers the profound depth of the Sultan of Smooth Soul, Barry White.

2007 Patterson Cellars Syrah, $23

100% Syrah, Columbia Valley

Tasting Notes:

Purple-red hues, rich and delicious layers of black cherry and dark fruits with hints of chocolate.

Well balanced with firm tannins and a long, vivid finish.

This vintage croons, “can’t get enough of your love, babe,” because “you’re the first, the last, my everything.” Stephanie Cuffel, sales and marketing director for Patterson Cellars, agrees: She and John Patterson are planning to marry later in 2011, and the 2007 Syrah is her “love potion” of choice.

Says Patterson, “These two wines make perfect picks for Valentine’s Day. The Forbidden Red goes with everything, is nothing short of luscious, and has a slightly dangerous flavor built right into the name. And the Syrah? Well, the Syrah happens to be the love of my life’s favorite wine.”

With more than 22 years’ experience in the industry, Patterson Cellars is recognized for crafting elegant, New World-style red and white wines offered at highly approachable prices. The winery is situated in Woodinville, and they have recently opened a second tasting room in downtown Seattle, near the Pike Street Hill Climb on Western Avenue, below Pike Place Market.

Patterson Cellars offers two exciting venues for sampling their wines: An urban tasting room located near the Pike Street Hill Climb on Western Avenue, below the famous Pike Place Market in Seattle; and the tasting room and winery in Woodinville’s wine warehouse district. Each offers a unique space and experience for hosting private parties and events. Producing wines for over 12 years, from crush to cork, the family-owned winery focuses on creating approachable, New World-style wines as unique as the grapes themselves. The finest fruit is sourced from Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, Lake Chelan and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs to ensure consistent quality. Patterson Cellars has a wine club and provides custom crush facilities for local wineries, as well as a bottling program. Check website for hours at each tasting room.

Follow Patterson Cellars online:

Website: www.pattersoncellars.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patterson-Cellars/119372784759130?ref=ts&v=wall

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/pattersncellars

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West Seattle’s Avalon Introduces Brunch

Weekends in West Seattle Just Got Better with Chef Deborah Breuler’s Rustic Mediterranean-Inspired Pacific Northwest Fare

Seattle, Wash.—(February 3, 2011)—Open only since January 3, Avalon (2940 S.W. Avalon Way), West Seattle’s freshest new dining destination, has recently expanded its hours to include Saturday and Sunday brunch, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

West Seattle native Chef Deborah Breuler rejuvenated the former Café Revo, creating a fitting atmosphere for her inventive, approachable, Mediterranean-accented Pacific Northwest cuisine. Awash in morning light, the east-facing dining room and lounge are perfect for sipping a Prosecco Mimosa before diving into unfussy plates of morning classics with a twist, sweet and savory options for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.

Popular on the dinner menu, Crab and Cod Cakes become even more irresistible with a silken blanket of Hollandaise and mound of perfectly tender home fries; those who prefer a more traditional approach will gravitate to the Duck-Ham Eggs Benedict, sourdough toast standing in for the usual English muffin. Hearty favorites include Short Rib Hash and its vegetarian counterpart, Rustic Root Vegetable hash, both served with eggs. All items are moderately priced between $6 and $13.

“Brunch is my favorite meal, so I wanted to offer diners a menu that’s familiar but just a little different, a little edgy,” explains Chef Breuler. “It’s a reflection of how I see this neighborhood: It’s recognizably Seattle, but with its own distinct flavor and character. That’s just how we roll here in Luna Park, and I’m excited to have people pay us a weekend visit and give it a try.”

Brunch

Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Two Eggs, Your Way—with home fries, bacon or sausage and toast ($8)

Old Fashioned Pancakes—with real maple syrup ($7)

Crab and Cod Cakes Benedict—with Hollandaise and home fries ($12)

Duck-Ham Eggs Benedict—on sourdough toast with home fries ($11)

Challah French Toast—with real maple syrup ($8)

Short Rib Hash—with eggs ($10)

Rustic Root Vegetable Hash—with eggs ($8)

Biscuits and Gravy—choice of chorizo or mushroom gravy ($6)

with egg, add ($2)

Leek Quiche—with mixed greens ($8)

Omelette—three eggs, choice of filling: garlic, spinach, mushrooms, onions, cheese, bacon, sausage ($8)

with shrimp, add ($3) / crab, add ($5)

Teamster Special—with bacon, egg, lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes and cheddar on sourdough toast ($8)

An assortment of classic breakfast side dishes is also available.

Brunch Cocktail Specials

(reflects $2 off regular price)

Mimosa—with Italian Prosecco ($5)

Bloody Mary—with Absolut Peppar Vodka ($5)

Full cocktail and beverage service offered during brunch hours.

Situated in the historic Luna Park neighborhood, West Seattle’s Avalon offers approachable, regionally inspired, locally sourced menus, as well as a full bar and wine list focusing on Washington and Oregon. Dishes are available for dine in or take out. The warm and welcoming ambiance makes a comfortable backdrop for casual meals and special occasions alike. Located at 2940 S.W. Avalon Way, Avalon serves dinner daily from 5 to 10 p.m.; brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and happy hour is offered daily in the lounge from 3 to 6 p.m. (206) 922-3606.

Follow Avalon Online:

Website: http://www.avalonws.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/avalonws

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AvalonWS

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Down Under Answers and Jason Mesnick Host “#AussieLove” Travel Twitter Party and Support Disaster Relief for Queensland

Win a Trip to Australia by Donating $10 to Relief Fund

February 10, 11 a.m. PT/ 2 p.m. ET

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(February 3, 2011)— With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Jason Mesnick and the Australia travel experts from Down Under Answers (www.duatravel.com) are asking Twitter users to share their “Aussie Love” and help support Queensland disaster relief efforts from tropical cyclone Yasi and recent extreme flooding.

Participate in the Twitter discussion and show support by going to the Down Under Answer’s website (http://www.duatravel.com/donate) to donate to the Red Cross Relief Fund. Each donation of $10 will count for one entry to win a VIP trip to Australia courtesy of Down Under Answers and V Australia (www.vaustralia.com). Winners will be drawn February 16, 2011.

WHAT: Support disaster relief efforts in Queensland by participating in a Twitter discussion about Australian experiences and travel tips using the hashtag #AussieLove.

WHO: Jason Mesnick, Down Under Answers travel expert and former ABC TV’s “Bachelor,” will host the discussion along with Australia tourism boards and airlines.

WHEN: Thursday, February 10 at 11 a.m. PT/ 2 p.m. ET

WHERE: Twitter – www.twitter.com/downunderanswer #AussieLove

Additionally, the first 20 people that tweet a fact about Australia using the #AussieLove hashtag during the discussion will win an “Aussie Love” T-shirt. Anyone who joins in the #AussieLove discussion will receive a discount code to put towards booking their next Australia vacation with Down Under Answers.

Watch Jason Mesnick tour through some of Australia’s most popular destinations and share his love for Australia: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys69oHN0mDU)

Founded in 1992, Seattle-based Down Under Answers (DUA) is the industry leader in travel to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Dubai. Repeatedly voted Best Travel Wholesaler by Tourism Australia and Tourism New Zealand specialists, the company employs seasoned staff members to customize tours—ranging from unique, hands-on holidays to more traditional itineraries—for independent travelers through to groups of virtually any size. New for 2010 is the launch of Africa Answers, visit online at http://www.africaanswers.com/.  For further information, email info@duatravel.com, or call (866) 431-6508.

Follow Down Under Answers Online:

Website: www.duatravel.com

Twitter: @DownUnderAnswer

Facebook: Down Under Answers

Flickr: Flickr

YouTube: Youtube

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Row House Café Celebrates Award with Free Coffee Drink–Feb. 10 2-4pm

Row House Cafe Receives Distinguished “Artists of Taste” Award From illycaffè Master Barista Giorgio Milos

South Lake Union Restaurant Celebrates with Free Seattle City Series Coffee Drink, Thursday, February 10, from 2 to 4 p.m.

¨¨¨¨¨

SEATTLE, Wash.—(February 2, 2011)—Offering a cozy atmosphere and classic comfort food with a unique twist, the newly opened Row House Cafe also features an authentic Italian coffee experience. illycaffè’s Italian Master Barista Giorgio Milos is traveling from New York to present the South Lake Union restaurant with the prestigious Artisti del Gusto award, and  Row House Cafe is offering a free Seattle city series coffee drink in celebration.

WHO: Row House Cafe

www.rowhousecafe.com

WHAT: Free Seattle City Series Coffee Drink to Celebrate Artisti del Gusto (Artists of Taste) Award

A designation given to top independent cafés that have shown a commitment to education and training to consistently provide an authentic Italian coffee experience and meeting illy’s high quality standards. Only 40 cafés in the U.S. have received the award; Row House Cafe is the third in Seattle.

· illycaffè Master Barista Giorgio Milos will visit.

Specialty Coffee Association of Europe-certified Master Barista

Top finisher in the World Barista Championships

Faculty at illy’s Università del Caffe (UDC)

· Limit one Seattle city series coffee drink per person.

WHERE: Row House Cafe

1170 Republican St. Seattle, WA   

WHEN: Thursday, February 10, 2 to 4 p.m.

Opened in September 2010, Row House Cafe is the “neighborhood living room” in Seattle’s upcoming South Lake Union area. Offering illy espresso and coffee, the restaurant serves up unique and classic comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and brunch on the weekends. Craft beer and wine are also served and available to go. Row House Cafe features music on the weekends. Hours are Monday thru Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour is offered daily 4 to 7 p.m.

Follow Row House Cafe Online

Website: www.rowhousecafe.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/rowhousecafe

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Row-House-Cafe-Seattle/118654891513862

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