Making A Difference

There are many wonderful things about wine. Down through the ages it has inspired, humored, delighted and celebrated. In addition, it has been used as a catalyst to raise money for deserving causes. One of our greatest joys is to donate wine to non-profit organizations & become actively involved in programs designed to support children, education, medical research and treatment. In addition, we have recently taken a more active role in raising money for such causes as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a Nicaraguan Housing Project & Clinica Verde, a sustainable health clinic in Nicaragua.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Clark~Claudon Cabernet is also donated to our family's foundation. These funds are used to support a number of children in third world countries where our family has done charity work. Above right, Tom escorts Yaneska, our adopted daughter, in her high school graduation.  Briana, Tom and Laurie also raised money for Cancer Research by competing in the Wildflower Triathlon, Treasure Island Triathlon and the Tahoe Century Ride with Team in Training. Above left, Tom & Laurie were thrilled to end the Wildflower Race with a smile!

In addition, Clark~Claudon Vineyards sponsors an annual event that raises money for a Cal Poly scholarship. It is a Harvest Party. We donate the fruit and the location. Alumni come from all over to pick and stomp, yes stomp, the grapes. Local Cal Poly alumni and friends of Cal Poly donate wine for the event and everyone brings a picnic. The resulting juice is vinified at Judd's Hill and labeled with the Cal Poly mascot. Proceeds from the sale of Mustang Cabernet support the annual scholarship.

We would like to introduce you to a sample of the organizations that we support with wine donations:

• The Rusty Staub Foundation
• The KCBX Central Coast Wine Classic; www.kcbx.org
• Music Academy of the West through Santa Barbara's International Wine Event
• The LiliClaire Foundation; www.liliclairefoundation.org
• Magic Moments
• The Headlands Foundation
• The Russian Arts Foundation
• Make a Wish; www.makeawish.org
• The V Foundation; www.winecelebration.com
• New York International Wine Auction
• The Napa Valley Wine Auction; www.napavintners.com
• Our local schools
• Junior League of Napa-Sonoma
• Imagine
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• The ALS Center
• The Grace Family Foundation
• Rotary International; www.rotaryhomesnicaragua.com
• We Care
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: www.teamintraining.org
• San Francisco Aids Foundation: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/5532

Napa Valley vintners are some of the most generous people we have ever met. Together we can make a difference.