WINTERS HEALTHCARE’S 8TH ANNUAL DINNER ON THE BRIDGE BRINGS 224 GUESTS TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL HEALTHCARE 

Community celebration honors service, connection, and the legacy of former board member Sharon Bishop 

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Winters Healthcare welcomed 224 guests to the Historic Trestle Bridge in downtown Winters on Saturday, September 12, for its 8th Annual Dinner on the Bridge. The sold-out evening brought community members, local businesses, sponsors and volunteers together in support of accessible, high-quality healthcare for Winters, Esparto, and the surrounding communities. 

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Guests enjoyed craft refreshments, a flavorful and beautifully presented dinner prepared by Buckhorn Steakhouse Chef Toby and his team, and baklava made in collaboration with the Winters High School Culinary class. Events by Wise helped bring the evening together through their event planning and floral design with fresh stems from Rain Water Ranch. Ryan Allay performed during cocktail hour, followed by live music from the Jim Hilliard Band on the bridge. 

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“Dinner on the Bridge is a celebration of what makes our community so special, the way people come together to connect to each other while supporting us,” said Chris Kelsch, Executive Director of Winters Healthcare. “We are deeply grateful to every sponsor, donor, volunteer and guest who helped create such a meaningful evening in support of local healthcare.” 

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The evening also provided an opportunity to celebrate connection, service, and overall well-being. Winters Healthcare unveiled a memorial bench honoring former board member Sharon Bishop, who passed away nearly two years ago. The bench recognizes Bishop’s service and the lasting impact she made on Winters Healthcare and the community. 

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Winters Healthcare also honored Jenni Jacobs Garcia for her 12 years of service on the organization’s Board of Directors. As Garcia completes her final year on the board, Winters Healthcare expressed its gratitude for her longstanding dedication to the community, its celebrations and the continued success of Dinner on the Bridge as a cherished local tradition. 

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COMMUNITY SPONSORS 

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The 2026 Dinner on the Bridge was made possible through the generosity of its sponsors. Winters Healthcare gratefully recognizes the following supporters: 

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Bridge Partner Sponsor 

• Gilbert Network Group 

 

Bright Future Backer Sponsors 

• Collina De Bella 

• Dignity Health 

• Kaiser Permanente 

 

Table Sponsors 

• Anonymous Donor for Winters Healthcare Staff 

• Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry 

• Bob Schultz | Winters Sky Photography 

• Chris Kelsch 

• Dan Brugger 

• Downey Brand LLP 

• Gunrock’s Giving Crew 

• Jeffrey Uppington and Penny Herbert 

• Leslie Blevins, Coldwell Banker 

• Lucas Frerichs 

• Solano Care 

• Theresa Kelsch 

• WeCare4Yolo 

 

Winters Healthcare also extends special appreciation to Berryessa Brewing Co., Hooby’s Brewing, Patio 29 Spirits and Preserve Public House for providing craft refreshments for guests. Additional wines were poured from our in-kind community partners, Turkovich Family Wines, Collina De Bella and Berryessa Gap Vineyards throughout the evening. 

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Volunteers were essential to the event’s success. Winters Healthcare board members, staff members who donated their time, Winters FFA students and community volunteers worked together to welcome guests and create a memorable experience. Special thanks are extended to community volunteers Devon Vickrey, Gwen Pisani and Dr. Taylor for their support during the event. 

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Proceeds from the 2026 Dinner on the Bridge will support the purchase of advanced point-of-care ultrasound technology for Winters Healthcare. The equipment will help providers conduct faster assessments, make more informed treatment decisions, improve care coordination and reduce the need for some outside referrals—helping keep high-quality care close to home. 

Winters Healthcare is pleased to announce that the 8th annual Dinner on the Bridge raised over $13,000 to expand access to in-office ultrasound technology, allowing our providers to perform real-time imaging during a patient’s visit. 

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Winters Healthcare is grateful for the outpouring of support and appreciation received throughout the evening. From the smiles shared across the bridge to the generosity of sponsors, donors and volunteers, the 2026 Dinner on the Bridge reflected the strength, compassion, and connectedness of the Winters community.