“The Max” Turns 21

Thursday, January 26, 2012

The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum

The Max Warburg Courage Curriculum (MWCC) celebrated its 21^st anniversary in style at the John F. Kennedy Library, toasting the many longstanding supporters and friends who have helped the organization grow from a small grassroots organization to an international model for character education.

Wine aficionados and casual collectors alike delighted at the impressive wines up for auction at this “coming of age” celebration.  Much sought after bottles included a rare 1945 Chateau Haut-Brion, and two bottles of Rainwater Madeira with ties to the Second Harrison Gray Otis House on Beacon Street.  Guests had the chance to bring home some of “the best wine from the past 100 years,” as Brookline resident Jeffrey Bloomberg noted from the microphone, while supporting the organization’s work in middle and high schools in Boston and beyond.

During the event, guests enjoyed wines donated by Clarendelle Wines, produced on two of the most prestigious Premier Grand Cru estates in Bordeaux: Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, owned by Prince Robert of Luxembourg and his family.

Hurley School (South End) teacher Willie Gould shared powerful reflections on the impact the Courage Curriculum has had on the lives of his students, and guests had the opportunity to read personal narratives written by sixth graders, framed throughout the room.

Auctioned wines were donated from the personal collections of Ann and Graham Gund, Nancy and Laury Coolidge, Brandt Binder, Rachel and Jean-Francois Formela, Suzanne and Tom McManmon, Patty and Charles Ribakoff, and many others. 

In attendance were organization founder and President Stephanie Warburg, Secretary of Education Paul Reville, Peter Graffman of The Wine and Food Society of Boston, Kyra and Charles Haydock, Fred Warburg, Jennifer Donaldson, Nancy Adams, Amy and Ethan d’Ablemont Burnes, and Rachael Goldfarb.