What began as a gathering of 35 civic-minded women determined to help children find permanent homes has grown into one of San Benito County’s most enduring philanthropic organizations.
Kinship Seneca is celebrating the 70th anniversary of both the organization and its signature Wine & Food Tasting, an event that has evolved from a modest “wine party” into one of the county’s premier fundraising galas while raising more than $1.5 million over the years to support children, families and mental health services.
The 70th Anniversary Wine & Food Tasting will take place from 4-7pm Aug. 29 at Paicines Ranch, bringing together community members, local restaurants, wineries, breweries and supporters to celebrate seven decades of service.
“It’s a huge accomplishment,” said Mariah Giunta, publicity chair for the 2026 Wine & Food Tasting. “It started with a small group of women and has grown over the years. It was the first official California food and wine tasting event.”
Founded in 1956 as the El Torillo Chapter of Children’s Home Society in Hollister, the organization focused on helping children in foster and adoptive care find safe, loving homes. Early fundraising centered on elegant high teas hosted by some of Hollister’s most prominent women before the organization launched its first Wine Party.
The idea for the event came from then-president Margie Gabriel, who organized the first gathering for about 200 guests at the Law Ranch. The event later moved to the Annotti Ranch property, now Twin Oaks Hollister, before finding its longtime home at Paicines Ranch in 1991.
Today, the event attracts as many as 1,000 guests who enjoy offerings from more than 50 restaurants, wineries and breweries combined while raising money for programs that benefit local children and families.
One of the organization’s most significant milestones came in 1990, when members made the decision to leave Children’s Home Society and become Kinship Center.
“To leave the Children’s Home Society nonprofit and change to Kinship Center allowed us to ensure funds raised went directly to San Benito County to support local families,” Giunta said.
That local focus expanded even further in 2011 when Kinship Center merged with Seneca Family of Agencies, allowing the organization to provide a broader continuum of care while expanding adoption services and other family support programs.
Today, Kinship Seneca’s work extends well beyond adoption services. The organization now provides mental health care, family support and advocacy through the San Benito County location, a significant expansion from just one clinical therapist to now three in five years.
Since establishing the Kinship Fund in 2019, the organization has awarded $30,000 in scholarships and $24,000 in grants to foster families while continuing to dedicate 20% of proceeds from the annual fundraiser to other local nonprofits with similar missions.
For Giunta, however, the organization’s impact is measured less in dollars than in lives changed.
She recalled one young client’s success story receiving services through Kinship Seneca’s mental health program who struggled with severe depression and trauma before seeking help.
Today, Giunta said, it has come to her attention that the client has been able to get a job which has contributed to increased self-efficacy, independence and sense of purpose. She now reports improved self-esteem and looks forward to the future.
“When we hear these success stories, it tells us that we are on the right path,” she said. “Impact is the most important thing, and it means everything to us at Kinship Seneca.”
The addition of mental health services has become an increasingly important part of the organization’s mission as the needs of children and families continue to evolve.
The organization itself continues to evolve as well. While Kinship Seneca remains rooted in the vision established by its founding members, it is also attracting a new generation of volunteers.
“We just welcomed our newest member who is 21 and earning a degree in social work,” Giunta said. “We are expanding the knowledge and generations. Our members now range from 21 into their late 80s.”
That multigenerational leadership gives Giunta confidence the organization will continue serving San Benito County for decades to come.
“Given that we are expanding into younger generations, we don’t see any limits to the amount of time we will continue to serve San Benito County,” she said. “We have three clinical social workers and therapists who work at our center in Hollister, which gives us an opportunity to help youth and families in the foster care system.”
This year’s anniversary celebration will feature food, wine and storytelling highlighting the organization’s history while looking toward its future.
The event has also been nominated in the Best Outdoor Event category in the 2026 Best of San Benito competition.
Early Bird discount tickets are available through Aug. 15. Regular ticket pricing begins Aug. 16 and continues through the event date.
Sponsorship information and tickets are available at KinshipSeneca.org.
