For Immediate Release
Rhonda Motil
MCVGA
831-375-9400

Businesses and Associations Lead the Charge to Support Local Organizations Impacted by Funding

Summary Points:

Many organizations providing valuable services to the Monterey County community have been impacted by increased demand from clients and reduced funding received from grants, endowments, etc. Local businesses and associations see this growing need in the community and are attempting to assist where needed to maintain these critical services in the region.

• An organization that has taken the lead to support a valuable cause is the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Foundation (MCVGF). This non-profit group, representing the 75 vintners and growers in Monterey County, has as a founding principle to contribute back to the community for valuable causes that need assistance.

• For more than 53 years, the nonprofit Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice has been caring for the Central Coast. VNA makes over 70,000 home visits each year from offices in Hollister, Salinas, Monterey and King City. Now, due to the closing of Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula’s home health services, VNA is the only nonprofit home health agency and the one agency that accepts the majority of Medi-Cal patients in both Monterey and San Benito Counties. VNA’s mission has always been to serve all those in need, regardless of ability to pay, within available VNA resources as provided by generous gifts from the community.

• MCVGF hosted the Monterey Wine Auction and Gala with the intent of donating the proceeds to VNA as well as the American Vineyard Foundation, University of California viticulture research, and scholarships for college students. The Monterey Wine Auction featured rare wines, unique wine items, winemaker events, and lifestyle packages. The event was a success, bringing in thousands of dollars to support Monterey County.

• MCVGF will proudly contribute $18,000 to VNA on Tuesday, October 19 at 10:00.

Looking Ahead:

The next Monterey Wine Auction and Gala will occur February 19, 2005 at Kendall-Jackson Winery. This rare occasion to visit the Kendall-Jackson Winery in Monterey County, typically not open to the general public, will be a wonderful opportunity for the vintners and growers of the region to host a one-of-a-kind event that will once again benefit Monterey County. Advance tickets for this limited event can be purchased by calling 831.375.9400.