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The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas names new Auction Director
Austin, Texas (October 26, 2009) – The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas is pleased to announce longtime Austin resident Donaji Lira as Director of the Rare & Fine Wine Auction; the largest fine wine auction in the Southwest.
Lira arrives at the Foundation with a diverse background and wealth of experience. Her mosaic background began in Dallas in the marketing division of NYNEX Business Center, later known as Computerland Corporation. It is with Computerland that she transferred to Austin to manage an account at Motorola.
Certified in the legendary Ritz Carlton Service Program, her experience ranges from hosting a morning radio show, owning and operating her own concierge business, to working in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Her role prior to the Foundation was Marketing and Membership Director for El Rey, a barber, spa and club for men. She also worked as a marketing and special events consultant in both the private and non-profit sectors with a client list that includes The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, The Texas Heritage Songwriter’s Association, and Totstock, a start-up company specializing in infant and childcare supplies.
Lira is enthusiastic about her new position. “This job combines everything I am most passionate about; wine, food and community. Participating in the Auction for several years as a volunteer, I am thrilled to be involved in a professional capacity and look forward to making our 25th anniversary a hallmark event.”
In addition to her professional activities, Lira has also been a tireless volunteer in the community. She has held several leadership positions serving as Chairperson for several large-scale events benefiting the Austin Museum of Art, Ballet Austin, Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Austin Theatre Alliance among several others. Her service has been praised with a certificate of recognition by Austin Under 40.
An avid wine and food enthusiast, in 2003 Lira accepted an invitation to join the Rare and Fine Wine Auction committee for the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas and served on the Advisory Board for a number of years.
The Auction is the Foundation’s largest event of the year, and the featured Saturday night event of The Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, also in its 25th year. This year the Auction will be held on Saturday, April 17th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin.
Known to be the largest and most significant wine auction in the Southwest, the Foundation’s event attracts bidders from throughout the state. The Auction is guided by the efforts of a dynamic volunteer committee composed of wine and professionals, collectors and industry leaders. This vast collection of knowledge and experience has propelled the auction into the national spotlight with remarkable lots not likely to be found anywhere else.
The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas hosts community-wide events and education classes in addition to providing culinary scholarships and grants. Most recently, the Foundation sponsored and co-presented TexSom, the annual Texas Sommelier Conference, the first of its kind in the country, which is open to both professionals and the general public. TexSom is also host to Texas’ Best Sommelier competition.
About the Rare & Fine Wine Auction
The crown jewel of Foundation events, the prestigious reputation of this black-tie, high-profile Auction is built upon a history spanning over two decades. Now in its 25th year, the Auction has raised well over $1 million to date and attracts bidders throughout Texas and beyond. It is the largest wine auction in the Southwest, complete with a stunning buffet from the Four Seasons and a fabulous silent auction. It will be held on Saturday, April 18th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin. For more information on donations or event registration contact Donaji Lira at
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About the Foundation
The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas is a public charity dedicated to recognizing and developing creativity, professionalism and state-of-the-science research in all areas of the culinary and viticulture arts. Created in 1997, the Foundation provides educational grants, scholarships and fellowships to outstanding individuals and other entities that achieve excellence in these areas. For more information or to become a member visit www.winefoodfoundation.org.
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