Gridley Quota members gather for a group photo before opening the doors to the annual tasting event, "A Night Out the Quota Way," on Oct. 24. Photo courtesy of Maggie Hepworth

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Glasses were half-full Saturday night, Oct. 24, as Gridley Quota hosted its annual tasting event, themed "A Night Out the Quota Way."

The three-hour event invited ticketholders to enjoy a variety of charcuterie grazing tables throughout the room, including tables dedicated to artisan sandwiches, a taco bar and desserts.

Guests mingled, visited and examined three tables filled with silent auction items while sipping from keepsake stemless wine glasses provided by Jones Flying.

The event has been a community favorite, with multiple generations attending and supporting the fundraiser over the decades.

Quotarian Cindy Davis, event committee co-chair, shared that two generations of her family, her daughter and granddaughters, were in attendance to support the fundraiser.

A veteran of the event, Davis said it was special to see generations of Gridley families continue supporting Quota's mission of giving back to the community, particularly women and children.

The evening featured more than eight tasting stations and vendors, including Cordi Winery, Feather Falls Brewing and a selection of wines from Gridley Grocery Outlet.

Steve and Maggie Hepworth's homemade root beer, a nonalcoholic option for guests, proved popular, with the keg emptied by 7:45 p.m. Quota volunteers also offered a variety of flavored sparkling apple ciders, water and tea.

The silent auction, drawings and giveaways drew considerable interest, with guests returning throughout the evening to check on their bids. Among them was Lynne Spencer, who had her eye on a set of pellet guns and was determined to secure them.

Bidding began closing in stages at 7 p.m., starting with the first table. Guests had an additional 15 minutes to bid on items at the second and third tables before bidding closed. Emcee Mike Erickson kept the atmosphere light with friendly banter among hopeful winners.

The total amount raised had not been reported at the time of publication, but Quota member Tina Haro said she believed the event had a strong turnout.

"It turned out wonderfully," Haro said.