Boots, Bourbon & Bubbles: An Elegant Evening with a Purpose
This November, the Yolo Crisis Nursery invites the community to come together for a fabulous night of food, fun and philanthropy. The Friends of the Nursery is hosting a brand-new fundraiser, Boots, Bourbon & Bubbles. It will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Lincoln House in Woodland. Guests can look forward to an elegant evening filled with special bourbon and champagne tastings, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere in a truly one-of-a-kind building, all while raising critical funds to support Yolo County children and families in need.
From the moment guests arrive at the beautifully restored Lincoln House, they will be welcomed into an atmosphere of rustic charm paired with modern elegance. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor four pours of premium bourbon or champagne, perfectly paired with a selection of gourmet passed hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats. Educators from Bourbon University will be on hand to share their expertise, guiding guests through tastings and traditions while deepening appreciation for each pour. The champagne flight will offer a bubbly alternative that pairs beautifully with the evening’s flavors.
While the event promises elegance and enjoyment, its purpose is profoundly important. The Yolo Crisis Nursery is a nonprofit dedicated to keeping children safe and families strong through trauma-informed care and wraparound services. We provide up to 30 days of free, voluntary crisis and respite childcare for children ages 0-5, available 24/7, 365 days a year, while supporting parents in overcoming challenges. Our mission is to nurture resilient children, strengthen parents, and preserve families.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we now have a beautiful new building that expands our capacity to serve more children and families than ever before. We are deeply grateful for this incredible gift. At the same time, with growth comes new challenges. We are already at maximum capacity in our day programs, and to meet the needs of every child who comes through our doors, we must hire additional staff to ensure each child receives the safe, nurturing care they deserve. Families across Yolo County are facing rising levels of stress from financial pressures to housing insecurity, and children are often the most vulnerable in times of crisis. The Nursery remains a lifeline, offering not just care for children but also parenting support, and resources to help parents build stability. One mother, after escaping a dangerous domestic situation, shared that without the Nursery’s immediate help, she would not have been able to keep her children safe while securing new housing and employment. Over the years of volunteering for the Yolo Crisis Nursery, I have heard countless and impactful stories like hers, that highlight how critical these services are and why community support through events like Boots, Bourbon & Bubbles is essential.
Boots, Bourbon & Bubbles would not be possible without the generosity of sponsors and community partners who believe in the Nursery’s mission. For the 3rd year in a row, Jeff Morgan has graciously donated one of his private venues to host our event. Nugget has stepped forward as one of our Bourbon Sponsors, while Valdeja Ag Inc., Clark Pacific, Corner Drug, are supporting at the Bubbles sponsorship level. Each sponsor plays a role not only in making the event a success but also in sustaining the Nursery’s ability to provide care when families need it most. Their contributions demonstrate the power of community collaboration in addressing urgent needs close to home. There are still sponsorship opportunities available for those who would like to join this incredible group of supporters. For more information, please contact Keri Aoki at admin@woodlandhavenpreschool.com or Becky Heard at bheard@yolocrisisnursery.org.
The goal for Boots, Bourbon & Bubbles is to raise significant funds that will directly benefit children and families in crisis. Every ticket purchased, every raffle entered, and every donation made will go toward expanding the Nursery’s ability to provide safe, nurturing care for children and essential resources for parents. Proceeds will support both the daily operations of the Nursery and its long-term sustainability, ensuring that no child is ever turned away when their family is in crisis.
As the Yolo Crisis Nursery prepares to celebrate this exciting new fundraiser, one truth remains clear, the need has never been greater. Boots, Bourbon & Bubbles offers the chance to come together, enjoy an unforgettable evening, and ensure that children across Yolo County have the safety, care, and hope they deserve.
Mark your calendars, shine your boots, and join us on November 8, 2025, for an evening to remember. Together, we’ll raise a glass, celebrate community, and change lives, one pour, one toast, one child at a time. General admission tickets are limited, with only about 70 available. Don’t wait, grab yours today!
-Keri Aoki, Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery Volunteer