At The Bee Foundation (TBF), our mission to raise awareness and funds for brain aneurysm prevention continues to bring together communities from coast to coast. This year, our Winter Wine Dinner, now in its fifth year, serves as a powerful testament to resilience, unity, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference. Recently, TBF Ambassador Cat Navarro Lee sat down with Christine Kondra, co-founder of TBF, and Neha Pai, a brain aneurysm survivor, to discuss the event’s impact and the shared stories that bind us together.
A Tradition of Giving: The Winter Wine Dinner’s Impact
Christine Kondra, who co-founded The Bee Foundation after losing her cousin Jenny to a ruptured brain aneurysm, explained the event’s origins and growing influence. Initially launched in February 2020, the Winter Wine Dinner was envisioned as a way to connect the local restaurant and wine community with a larger cause.
Christine and her husband, who spend significant time in California’s wine country, felt a deep connection to vineyard owners and winemakers who faced devastating losses during the wildfires. The destruction was eerily similar to the sudden devastation caused by brain aneurysms—both unpredictable and life-altering. This parallel gave birth to the idea of merging these two causes into a single fundraising event.
Now, five years later, the event has raised over $400,000, making it the largest fundraising event for The Bee Foundation—surpassing even its annual gala. The funds support critical research, prevention initiatives, and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the impact of brain aneurysms.
Neha Pai’s Story: A Survivor’s Grit and Determination
One of the most compelling aspects of this year’s event is the presence of Neha Pai, a brain aneurysm survivor whose story embodies resilience.
Neha, a recent UCLA graduate, shared her experience of suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm during her junior year of college. Amidst the stress of finals week in 2021, she suffered a seizure in her apartment, which led to the discovery of a brain bleed. Quick action and expert care at UCLA Health saved her life. Despite the odds, she pushed through a seven-month recovery and returned to UCLA to complete her engineering degree—a feat that highlights her determination and the power of a strong support system.
“The entire way through, I was told by doctors and my support network, ‘You can do this.’ That belief was everything,” Neha reflected. “There were moments where people suggested I reconsider my degree, but I held on to the encouragement from my medical team. And here I am today, a graduate and a survivor.”
Her story underscores the importance of community support, expert medical care, and resilience in recovery. As Christine pointed out, Neha’s journey exemplifies the very essence of grit and perseverance—qualities that define both brain aneurysm survivors and the winemaking industry in California.
Supporting Three Communities in Need
The Winter Wine Dinner is more than just an evening of exceptional wine and fine dining—it’s an opportunity to uplift two communities in need:
- Brain aneurysm survivors and researchers – Funding goes toward life-saving research and advocacy efforts.
- The California wine industry – The event also brings attention to the challenges faced by winemakers, including the impact of wildfires and declining tourism.
- The Brain Aneurysm Community of UCLA – by providing resources relating to the diagnosis, investigation, treatment, and recovery process for patients, survivors, and caregivers
Christine emphasized that supporting California’s wine industry is crucial, as it has suffered from wildfire devastation, decreased tourism, and economic downturns. This event not only raises funds but also encourages attendees to support California wineries by visiting and purchasing their wines.
An Exclusive Evening of Wine and Philanthropy
This year’s Winter Wine Dinner will take place on March 1st and will feature a curated selection of female winemakers from around the world which pairs perfectly with the start of Women’s Month. The dinner will be an intimate, high-end experience, with an exclusive 30-seat capacity.
- Price per plate: $1,500 (with $400 tax-deductible)
- Wine pairings: Featuring 5–7 wines from top female winemakers
- Sponsorship opportunities: The Getty Sponsorship level includes four round-trip tickets to Los Angeles, encouraging attendees to support local businesses and wineries in California.
This unique event will highlight the resilience of brain aneurysm survivors and the perseverance of the wine industry, showcasing the strength of community-driven philanthropy.
Join Us in Making a Difference
With only 18 tickets remaining, we encourage those passionate about brain aneurysm prevention, supporting survivors, and aiding California’s wine industry to secure their seats soon.
As Neha’s story proves, survival is just the beginning—what comes next is the journey of rebuilding, thriving, and giving back. We invite you to be part of this inspiring movement by joining us for an unforgettable evening at the Winter Wine Dinner.
For tickets and sponsorship details, visit www.cornerstonewinterwinefestival.com or reach out to our team.
Together, we can create awareness, support research, and uplift communities in need—one glass at a time.
