Wayne, PA – February 20, 2025, A Celebration of California Wines, Brain Aneurysm Prevention, and Dedicated TBF Fund Supporting the Cornerstone Bistro and The Bee Foundation For Brain Aneurysm Prevention (TBF) proudly announces the 5th Annual Winter Wine Festival Dinner, an exclusive, intimate event dedicated to supporting three powerful causes: brain aneurysm prevention, the California wine community, and the greater Los Angeles brain aneurysm community impacted by the devastating wildfires. TBF has deep roots with the Los Angeles Neurosurgery community with Scientific Advisory Board Member William Mack, MD from USC’s Keck School of Medicine and our first grant recipient Dr. Aichi Chien from UCLA in 2014.
This year’s dinner takes on even greater significance with all proceeds from the event directly supporting the Brain Aneurysm Community of UCLA by providing resources relating to the diagnosis, investigation, treatment, and recovery process for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Expanding TBF’s relationship with UCLA is the creation of a dedicated TBF Brain Aneurysm Support Fund. The evening will highlight the resilience of brain aneurysm survivors and the tenacity of California winemakers, who have faced mounting challenges due to wildfires and economic shifts.
The festival is co-hosted by Christine Kondra, co-founder of TBF and owner of Cornerstone Bistro with her husband, Nick Kondra, alongside her sister Erin Kreszl, co-founder of TBF.
Guest of Honor: Neha Pai – UCLA ‘24 Graduate & Brain Aneurysm Survivor
One of the highlights of the evening will be a special reflection by Neha Pai, a brain aneurysm survivor and UCLA graduate, who will be traveling from Los Angeles to share her story. Neha suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm during her junior year of college and, against the odds, went on to graduate with an engineering degree from UCLA. Her story is a testament to resilience, the quick response of the UCLA medical team, and the need for increased awareness and funding for brain aneurysm research.
A Curated Wine & Culinary Experience
Since its inception in 2020, the Winter Wine Festival has become a highly anticipated fundraising event, raising over $400,000 to date. This year’s exclusive dinner will feature:
- Several Iconic California Winemakers, including Hirsch Vineyards, Dunn Vineyards, Mount Eden Vineyards, Jackson Family Wines, Schramsberg Vineyards, Chateau Montelena Winery, and Colgin Cellars, each sharing their stories and wines
- A Five-Course Tasting Menu, meticulously crafted by Cornerstone’s renowned culinary team
- 30 Seats, with 18 tickets remaining for an intimate and unforgettable evening
“This dinner embodies the very essence of hospitality—bringing people together to nourish, comfort, and give back,” said Christine Kondra. “It’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the power of coming together for a greater purpose.
Supporting the Brain Aneurysm Community & California’s Wine Industry
Proceeds from the 2025 Winter Wine Festival Dinner will benefit:
- The Bee Foundation, funding brain aneurysm research and prevention initiatives.
- The California Wine Community, directly supporting sustainability and wildfire recovery efforts.
- The Brain Aneurysm Community of UCLA by providing resources relating to the diagnosis, investigation, treatment, and recovery process for patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Additionally, top-tier sponsorships will include exclusive travel and wine experiences, highlighting and supporting Greater Los Angeles tourism and some of Cornerstone’s favorite places to visit:
- The Hollywood Bowl – A one of a kind opportunity to leave the ultimate legacy for a loved one with the naming rights to the UCLA TBF Brain Aneurysm Fund.
- The Getty Package – A luxury trip to Los Angeles, including round trip airfare for 4 guests on American Airlines (no blackout dates).
- The Eames Package – Includes 2 dinner tickets seated in the Dining Room and 4 tickets to the Eames House.
- Santa Monica Package – Featuring exclusive dining and retail experiences in one of LA’s most vibrant coastal communities.
Tickets & Sponsorships
- Tickets: $1,500 per seat ($400 tax-deductible)
- Corporate sponsorships available – Contact Christine Kondra for details. christine@cornerstonewayne.com
For tickets, sponsorships, or additional information, visit https://www.cornerstonewinterwinefestival.com/
About Cornerstone Bistro
Located in the heart of Wayne, PA since 2015, Cornerstone Bistro is a culinary destination known for its authentic hospitality, exceptional wine curation, and unwavering commitment to community. Since 2020, The Cornerstone Winter Wine Festival has served as a cornerstone of its mission to give back and create unforgettable experiences. www.cornerstonewayne.com
About The Bee Foundation For Brain Aneurysm Prevention
The Bee Foundation For Brain Aneurysm Prevention is a national 501(c)3 organization dedicated to saving lives and provide hope by funding preventative research, raising awareness, advocating for better policy and supporting aneurysm families and survivors. The Bee Foundation was founded in 2014 by Christine Kondra and Erin Kreszl after the devastating loss of their 27 year old cousin Jennifer Sedney on Christmas Day 2013.
www.thebeefoundation.org
Press Contact:
Christine Kondra
Partner & Proprietor | Cornerstone Bistro
1 West Avenue. Wayne, PA 19087
(617) 850-2515 mobile
christine@cornerstonewayne.com
