11/20/2009 - St Helena, CA-The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) non-profit trade association of more than 370 wineries in the legendary Napa Valley awarded $5.2 million raised from Auction Napa Valley (ANV) at a celebration at the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa last night. Proceeds come from ANV held in June, and provide grants to area healthcare, affordable housing and youth service non-profits. This year's gifts bring the overall giving from ANV to $90 million.
"Auction Napa Valley is always a fantastic way for our community to raise money for the many, many non-profits that provide needed services. Our family was proud to chair this prestigious event. We all feel, especially during this recession, that any dollar raised at the auction was a dollar more than we had the day before--and to have raised $5.6 million over the weekend, in this economy, was just terrific," said Janet Trefethen, 2009 ANV chair of Trefethen Family Vineyards.
"This evening's festivities were also to honor the more than 500 volunteers, without whose support we could never produce such a world-class fundraiser benefiting Napa County," said Linda Reiff, NVV's executive director. "The success of ANV is based not only on our very generous bidders from around the world, but also on the generosity and hard work our vintners, and these dedicated, amazing community volunteers."
Now more than ever, funds are critical to the overall health of the community
The ANV Board of Directors, comprised of vintners and community members, looked at its funding guidelines for 2009 with respect to the current economic crisis and strategically funded those grants that provided as much service to those in need directly, rather than grant applications that sought capital improvements.
Examples include:
"Fair Housing Napa Valley has been inundated by families victimized by predatory loans that have caused them to lose their homes. Foreclosures have also driven renters out of their housing, creating more pressure for all Napa County's vulnerable households to find decent, affordable rental units. ANV's generous funding will enable our agency to expand services to households that need assistance in keeping a roof over their heads," said Kathryn Winter, executive director for Fair Housing Napa Valley.
"During these trying economic times we are seeing a surge in the number of families losing health insurance coverage for their children and babies. This kind of support and partnership allows the Children's Health Initiative Napa County to connect thousands of children to affordable health insurance and access to care." Mark Diel, executive director of Children’s Health Initiative Napa County.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay's mentoring programs address the problems of school dropout, low academic proficiency, truancy, poverty, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, unemployment, high rates of crime, youth violence and gang involvement that greatly impact the lives of youth who live in Napa County. Cyndi Weingard, director of development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay said, "During these difficult economic times, our organization appreciates the generous philanthropic commitment of Napa Valley Vintners more than ever. Their support helps our children get matched with caring mentors who help them believe in a positive future."
"The Auction's ability to raise funds and pass on as much of what is raised to the beneficiaries is enhanced by the generosity of an outstanding group of strategic partners. They provide goods and services complimentary or at little cost to ensure the top-notch hospitality and event execution that maintains ANV’s place as the most successful charity wine auction. Additionally, some of our partners donate luxury products to include in auction lots to complement the wine offerings, at no cost to the Auction. To these businesses, a very special thanks goes out," said NVV and ANV Board President Paula Kornell.
About the NVV
The Napa Valley Vintners is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. The organization celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. From seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents more than 370 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about our region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com.
Complete List of 2009 ANV Beneficiaries
Learn more about the NVV's Strategic Partners
Contact: Terry Hall, Communications Director 707-968-4217 thall@napavintners.com
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