Dinner On The Bridge

Under a canopy of lights on the Historic Trestle Bridge, Winters Healthcare Foundation (WHF) hosted its 7th Annual Dinner on the Bridge on Saturday, September 13, bringing together community leaders, local partners, and longtime supporters to celebrate 25 years of healthcare in Yolo County.

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The evening began with a lively cocktail hour featuring beverages from local favorites, including Berryessa Brewing Co., Berryessa Gap, Collina de Bella, Hooby’s Brewing, Patio 29 Spirits, Preserve, and Turkovich Family Wines. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres from Buckhorn Steakhouse before being welcomed by Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Senator Christopher Cabaldon, and Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, all providing resolutions and remarks to the foundation, along with remarks from WHF Board President Jenni Jacobs Garcia and Executive Director Chris Kelsch.

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Dinner was prepared and served by Chef Toby Barajas and the Buckhorn Steakhouse team, highlighting seasonal flavors with a menu that included grilled bone-in ribeye, heirloom tomato salad with burrata, farmers market cornbread, and more. Desserts were provided by the Winters High School Culinary Program, alongside coffee from Steady Eddy’s.

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Live music from the Arlyn Anderson Trio set the tone for an unforgettable evening, as guests gathered in support of Winters Healthcare’s mission. Stunning floral designs by Roxie’s Floral Co., featuring locally grown florals from Rainwater Ranch, adorned the historic bridge, adding an elegant touch that reflected the beauty and spirit of the event.

This year’s Dinner on the Bridge spotlighted WHF’s milestone anniversary — 25 years of caring for Yolo County. Thanks to the generosity of our attendees, sponsors, and partners, Winters Healthcare raised over $15,000 to support vital health services that touch the lives of thousands of our neighbors. What began as a promise by local farmers, seniors, and business owners has grown into a healthcare system serving over 17,000 neighbors through 300,000 visits, spanning primary care, dental, behavioral health, and beyond.

“Dinner on the Bridge is more than a fundraiser — it’s a reflection of the promise our community made 25 years ago: to develop and sustain quality healthcare for all the people of our community,” said Chris Kelsch, WHF Executive Director. “By growing to serve nearly four times more people than when we started through primary care, dental, behavioral health, and other services, Winters Healthcare has remained committed to that promise. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers, we are ensuring it continues to grow stronger for the next generation.”

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The success of Dinner on the Bridge was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. We are especially grateful to our Smile Maker Sponsor, Gilbert Network Group, along with our Bright Future Backer Sponsors, Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, District 4, Dignity Health, and Kaiser Permanente.

We also extend our appreciation to this year’s Table Sponsors: Anonymous Donor for Winters Healthcare Staff Attendance, Blair Grain, Robert Schultz, Buckhorn Steakhouse, Chris Kelsch, Club420 Dispensary, Jeffrey Uppington & Penny Herbert, John & Kristen Shepard, Sandy Vickrey, Valley Hydraulics, We Care 4 Yolo, and Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs.

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Finally, a kind and grateful thank you to our dining room partners, Buckhorn Steakhouse, Winters High School Culinary Arts Program, and Roxie’s Floral Co. Their culinary artistry and floral designs brought unforgettable flavor and beauty to the bridge, creating a night our community will always cherish.

As the sun set over the bridge and the final notes of music played, guests departed with a renewed commitment to bridging the gap in rural healthcare access.