Giving Back to our Community Impacted by the California Wildfires
The devastation left in the path of of the historic California fires is mind boggling. VineSpring calls Sonoma home, based just five miles west of the town square in the hills overlooking the Sonoma Valley. A week ago Monday, at around 1:30 in the morning, I woke to the smell of smoke and saw this out my window:
The view from my window as the devastating California wildfires hit close to home.
Later that morning, I found out this was just one of many fires in the area. In Napa, the Atlas Peak fire had been raging for hours, destroying many homes and wineries, including significant damage to our client White Rock Vineyards. More news streamed in about friends being evacuated, more homes being lost, and beloved animals perishing in the smoke. The fires raged out of control.
Today, the fires continue to burn as more than 11,000 firefighters work to save lives and structures in the fires path. This is not over yet, but progress is being made. You can view updated information on the CalFire site and see a map of the burn area here.
Helping to Rebuild
The outpouring of love and support for those affected by these fires is awe-inspiring. There are many worthy organizations that are helping directly, but I'd like to point out several VineSpring clients who have organizations that are helping to rebuild:
SUPPORT FOR ANIMALS
Jamison Animal Rescue Ranch (JARR)
Monica Stevens, owner of 750 Wines is the founder of JARR. JARR is helping to distribute food and pet supplies to the people with animals through the evacuation centers and donating hay, wheelbarrows, pitchforks, buckets to the horse evacuation centers. They are also helping with foster homes for animals in need and helping coordinate efforts to find temporary locations for horses and other farm animals. Additionally, the group is coordinating volunteer efforts and assigning people where they are needed. They have dedicated their social media channels to providing information on evacuations and animals in need.
Check out their Facebook page and Twitter account
SUPPORT FOR LOST OR DAMAGED HOMES
Chris Strieter, founder of Senses Wines, spearheaded efforts to create Rebuild Wine Country.
Rebuild Wine Country is about long-term giving. Immediate needs are being met by our fantastic community non-profit partners already. This fund is about the bigger picture in the weeks, months, and years to come, protecting economic recovery for those without a roof over their head. With these funds the fiscal sponsor, Habitat for Humanity, is going to rebuild homes that were lost in the deadly wine country fires, for those who need it most.
VINESPRING CLIENTS GIVING BACK
Reynvaan Family Vineyards in Walla Walla, Washington decided to offer a 2016 Syrah "futures" sale to their mailing list members and will give 10 percent of sales generated to help rebuild.
“It has been difficult to see the media reports of loss of lives and fire damage to vineyards, wineries and homes. We hope that these donations can help in some small way with the process of rebuilding and restoring this beautiful region!”
— MIKE REYNVAAN, OWNER OF REYNVAAN FAMILY VINEYARDS
LaRue Wines is donating 5% of sales from the Fall 2017 Wine Club Shipment, along with any additional sales in the month of October to Redwood Credit Union's North Bay Fire Relief Fund
A huge heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone sending their thoughts and support this past week. We love being part of this wonderful community.
