Amgen goes to the dogs

Amgen Inc. of Thousand Oaks has signed on as the principal corporate sponsor for Wine Sight, an upcoming fundraiser in support of Guide Dogs for the Blind, slated for Sat., May 19 at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort Hotel in Santa Barbara.

The event will raise funds to go toward the costs of specialized veterinary care for current and future Guide Dogs living on the central coast.

Amgen employees Brian Garcia and Linda Heller are volunteer puppy raisers for the national nonprofit organization. Both are part of a network of more than 1,400 volunteer puppy-raising families throughout the western states. Their volunteer efforts resulted in Amgen's corporate support.

Wine Sight will kick off at 4 p.m. with the arrival of Guide Dogs' puppy truck loaded with 8- and 9-week-old puppies to be delivered to Santa Barbara-area families who will raise them for the next 12 to 14 months. A reception and silent auction will follow the puppy delivery.

Dinner will include a live auction of Santa Barbara County wines, vacation destinations and other prizes. The auction will be conducted by local auctioneer Jim Fiolek.

Tickets are $150 and reservations are required. For tickets, call Guide Dogs for the Blind at (800) 295-4050, ext. 4153.

For more information, visit www.guidedogs.com.