On Saturday, July 13, Jordan hosted a magical philanthropic evening for the second consecutive year, in partnership with the John Jordan Foundation to benefit Smile Train – the largest cleft-focused non-profit organization in the world. The enchanting affair, held at the beloved Winery Chateau in Healdsburg, celebrated Jordan’s renowned European-style wines and seasonal cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren, while shining a spotlight on Smile Train’s vision of a world where everyone has access to safe, high-quality, comprehensive cleft care.
The dinner party brought together notable guests including John Jordan, Jordan Winery Chief Executive Officer and founder of the John Jordan Foundation, model and influencer Jasmine Sanders, Jordan Estate Rewards members, and more, who all convened on Jordan’s alfresco terrace in support of Smile Train, an organization celebrating their 25th anniversary and 2 millionth free surgery this year.
“We are proud to once again host the Starlight Supper event in partnership with Smile Train, as we celebrate the organization’s 25 years of incredible work,” commented John Jordan. “The evening was truly exceptional, seamlessly blending the spirit of generosity with Jordan wines and seasonal cuisine. With the support of our guests and the dedicated Smile Train team, we have illuminated pathways to brighter futures for children born with clefts because of the funds that were raised at this year’s event. Our Foundation remains deeply committed to championing impactful organizations such as Smile Train, whose vision continues to transform many lives across the globe.”
“I am deeply honored to have been part of this exceptional event at the stunning Jordan Winery estate, in support of Smile Train,” shared Jasmine Sanders. “It fills me with pride to contribute to such impactful institutions as Smile Train, dedicated to transforming the lives of children through life-changing comprehensive cleft care. The Starlight Supper was an unforgettable evening of incredible wine, food, and company, highlighting the profound impact we can achieve when we unite for a common cause. I am grateful to have been part of this extraordinary evening benefiting such a worthy cause.”
The evening at the chateau began with a beautiful reception in the Oak Tank Room, where guests enjoyed welcome glasses of Jordan Cuvée by Champagne AR Lenoble and passed hors d’oeuvres, before being seated on the newly renovated Jordan Winery Terrace for a seasonal three-course dinner prepared by Jordan’s Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren and team.
The menu of estate-driven cuisine showcased beautiful ingredients from the winery garden—all paired with vintages of Jordan Chardonnay and Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon including the Jordan Chef’s Reserve Caviar by Tsar Nicoulai Tartlets; Baby Radishes stuffed with Jordan cultured butter and salt; Butter Poached Lobster with fresh garbanzo bean and corn ragout and white miso emulsion; Rack of Lamb and Crépinette with glazed Jordan carrots and cassoulet beans and natural jus; and a dessert coffee service.
The spirit of giving permeated from every corner of the event, and especially during the evening’s silent auction. Guests bid on exclusive items and experiences, ranging from overnight stays at the Jordan Chateau Suites to Jerry Rice-signed San Francisco 49ers memorabilia, United Airlines flights, a Tyler Florence gift basket, a trio of Jordan Vineyard & Winery rare library wines from 2005-2007 signed by Winemaker Maggie Kruse and John Jordan, a Kendra Scott Willow Strand necklace in 14K gold and diamond, and more. One hundred percent of each dinner ticket, valued at $225, as well as auction lots which totaled over $11,000, were donated directly to Smile Train. Total donations resulting from the evening amounted to $60,000 which includes a $25,000 donation made by John Jordan and The John Jordan Foundation.
Every three minutes a baby is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. The condition can lead to a host of health issues including complications with eating, speaking, breathing and hearing.
“Our goal at Smile Train is to help ensure that every cleft-affected child receives safe, timely and quality medical care. With the support of Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Jasmine Sanders and several others – we are moving closer to making that goal a reality. We are thrilled to have hosted the second-annual Starlight Supper event. Witnessing how the evening brought people together to benefit children who deserve a chance to live, thrive and smile was truly special and something we will not forget for years to come,” said Troy Reinhart, Senior Vice President, Community and Ambassador Development at Smile Train.
Stay tuned for Jordan’s annual Starlight Supper with Smile Train next summer.
To learn more about how Smile Train’s sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.