ECHO’s Vines that ECHO Dinner raises nearly $90,000 for new Family Resource Center

By Staff Report · Tue Jun 16 2026

PASO ROBLES — Nearly $90,000 was raised to support families experiencing homelessness during the third annual Vines That ECHO Winemaker Dinner hosted by El Camino Homeless Organization on June 5 at Copia Vineyards & Winery.

The record-breaking total nearly doubled the amount raised during last year’s event and will directly benefit ECHO’s Building Hope & Home Campaign, which is funding a new 7,200-square-foot Family Resource Center scheduled to open in early fall 2026.

According to ECHO, more than 300 individuals and families are currently on the organization’s shelter waitlist. The new facility will add 30 beds for families with children and provide private family rooms, case management services, workforce development resources, children’s spaces, and other supportive programs designed to help families achieve long-term housing stability.

"This project represents hope for families who simply need an opportunity to get back on their feet," said ECHO CEO Wendy Lewis. "Every dollar raised moves us closer to opening the doors of this building and welcoming families into a space designed specifically to help them heal, grow, and thrive."

The event featured a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Rachel Ponce, paired with wines from Copia Vineyards & Winery, Ciento Cellars, and The Royal Nonesuch Farm, as well as beer from Cellar Fermentation.

A highlight of the evening came when Lynn Knutson and Stephen Knutson sponsored and named a room in the new family wing in honor of Stephen’s late father, David Lee Knutson, recognizing his lifelong commitment to helping others.

"We named this room after David Lee Knutson because his story deserves to be told," they shared. "David grew up with very little in Patterson, California. At age 12, a neighboring family let him live in their spare room due to his family's limited means. Through determination and hard work, he earned a scholarship to UC Berkeley, became the first in his family to attend college, and built a successful life in the seed industry.

For more information about ECHO and the Building Hope & Home Campaign, visit ECHO Shelter Services.