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Napa Valley Vintners Gives $1 Million Grant To Create 25th Anniversary Fund For Children's Health; Contributes Additional $7.7 Million To Local Non-Profits
Gift is the Largest Single Donation from an Industry to a Children's Health Group in State Fund to Provide Three Years of Access to Health Insurance to Napa County Children
11/18/2005 - St. Helena, Calif. - The Napa Valley Vintners, (NVV), a non-profit, trade organization representing 270 wineries, commemorates the success of Auction Napa Valley 25 with an unprecedented investment in the health and well being of Napa County children with the creation of a $1 million "25th Anniversary Fund for Children's Health." The fund will help the Napa County Children's Health Initiative, (CHI), ensure that every Napa County child has access to health insurance. The NVV presented the check today at a ceremony in Napa, Calif., along with 45 additional grants for a grand total of $8,769,500 million for Napa County health, youth development and affordable housing nonprofits.
"The creation of this fund constitutes the largest single industry or non-foundation private gift to any Children's Health Initiative in California," stated Bobbie Wunsch of the Pacific Health Consulting Group, which assists counties throughout California in developing CHI programs.
"This commitment of $1 million by the Napa Valley Vintners to the Napa County Children's Health Initiative will open up access to primary and preventative healthcare for the next three years to children of low- or middle-income Napa County families who do not have it," said Joel Aiken, president of Napa Valley Vintners. "The Napa Valley Vintners is committed to ensuring the healthy future of our community and we are proud to fund this innovative program."
About Napa County CHI
CHI is a newly formed organization committed to enrolling low- or middle-income Napa County children under 18 into California's Medi-Cal or Healthy Families programs, or into an equivalent insurance program for those children who do not qualify for either of the state programs. Approximately 80 percent of these children are eligible for existing state and federal health insurance. By enrolling them in the available programs, Napa County should expect to receive state and federal revenues of over $1.8 million. CHI will subsidize the costs of an equivalent insurance program for the 20% who do not qualify.
The Napa County CHI is one of more than a dozen such programs being implemented in various counties in California. The lack of health insurance and regular access to primary medical care not only puts children's health at risk, but it also causes a greater strain on community resources, which increases costs for employers and taxpayers. In addition, there is documented proof that children who have insurance coverage and receive consistent medical care are better learners and miss fewer school days, which in turn allows their parents to miss fewer days of work which contributes to a healthier, more productive community.
"This is an unprecedented action from an industry demonstrating its commitment to the health and well-being of its community," said Randy Snowden, director, Napa County Health & Human Services. "It is a big-picture approach to dealing with a health care crisis many communities across the state and nation face."
Additional $7.7 Million Distributed to Local Non-Profits
In addition to the $1 million grant, the Napa Valley Vintners today distributed another $7.7 million for 45 other programs: $3,604,500 to health programs; $1,548,000 to the Napa Valley Wine Auction Health Care Fund; $1,316,000 to youth development programs; $736,000 to affordable housing programs; and $565,000 to special projects. A complete list and description of the programs funded is attached.
Robert Mondavi Recognized
The Napa Valley Vintners also recently announced that the annual distribution of funds from their Health Care Fund would be named in special recognition of Robert Mondavi. The honor was given to commemorate his dedication to the Napa Valley Vintners, his vision for Auction Napa Valley, and his tireless efforts supporting the well-being of the people of Napa County. The annual distribution from the Napa Valley Wine Auction Health Care Fund this year is presented in honor of Robert Mondavi in the amount of $350,000 to Community Health Clinic Ole for continuing operation support.
About Auction Napa Valley
Since its inception in 1981, Auction Napa Valley has contributed more than $60 million to local nonprofit organizations. It has become one of the most impressive and influential wine charity fundraisers in the world by staying true to its original mission - to utilize the reputation of Napa Valley wines to enhance the well being of the community. For more information about the Napa Valley Vintners or Auction Napa Valley, please visit www.napavintners.com
2005 Auction Funds Distribution
View and download photos from check giving ceremony
Contact: Kristina Streeter Direct: 707-968-4218 Kim Van Syoc Direct: 503-546-7878
