Sip! organizers assess the damage

Cancellation of the McMinnville Wine & Food Classic last week could mean a loss of more than $100,000 in funding for St. James Catholic School.

The annual event, also known as Sip!, raises money for the private elementary school. Last year, the school received $140,000 through ticket sales and other fundraising efforts.

Jon Johnson, chairman of the event’s executive team, said some people may donate their ticket refunds to help the school.

“I’ve heard some reports of people donating their ticket refunds, but I don’t know that for a fact,” said Johnson, who is vice president of commercial loans at Citizens Bank.

It’s unclear how much organizers will lose due to the cancellation following Gov. Kate Brown’s directive banning large gatherings in an effort to manage the spread of the new coronavirus, he said. Owners of the Evergreen Air & Space Museum, where the classic was to be held, are keeping the deposit on the venue for next year.

Some vendors required downpayments, Johnson said. “We’re still trying to get a handle on all that.”

Organizers intended to hold the event until the governor declared a moratorium March 11 on all public gatherings of 250 or more people. It will not be rescheduled this year.