Partners with Community Foundation Sonoma County to Expand Storm Assistance
SANTA ROSA, California (April 26, 2023) – Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) is proud to announce they have activated their Emergency Relief Fund to support the needs of vineyard and agriculture workers, and those in our communities who have been impacted by recent storms and flooding. SCVF has donated $50,000 to Community Action Partnership Sonoma County (CAP Sonoma) and their Sonoma County Organizations Assisting in Disasters (COAD) Program. A check presentation ceremony was held on April 13 at the CAP offices.
“Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County is grateful for the support from Sonoma County Vintners Foundation,” said Kathy Gonzales-Kane, Chief Program Officer for CAP. “This funding is critical to the work we are doing in partnership with the Sonoma County Communities Active in Disaster (COAD) and the Sonoma County Long-Term Recovery Group to support the recovery of those who suffered significant damage to their homes or livelihood during the 2023 winter flooding.”
In January 2023, COAD mobilized to partner with Sonoma County on two Winter Storm Recovery Support Centers (RSCs) and a hotline, where 1,110 intakes for emergency assistance were completed. CAP Sonoma and COAD then distributed Emergency Flood Assistance payments of $250-$800 to 1,008 eligible applicants. They also distributed gift cards to 1,000 households in three months. After 110 households reported being either displaced from their homes or in need of infrastructural support, they are being provided with long-term recovery support by COAD’s Long-Term Recovery Group (of which CAP Sonoma is a core member).
SCVF is also partnering with Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC) to expand relief to more members of the local community. The Community Foundation is donating $100,000 to Catholic Charities to provide disaster case management and financial assistance.
“We are deeply privileged to continue assisting our community in this time of need and are grateful for the continued generosity and support of our Sonoma County wine community, Community Foundation Sonoma County, and our Sonoma County Vintners Foundation partners and donors,” said Michael Haney, Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. “We are proud to partner with our friends at CFSC once again and it is truly an honor to provide this essential assistance during these challenging times. Providing this type of support for those in need is exactly why we formed the SCVF Emergency Relief Fund.”
The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Emergency Relief Fund was created to adapt to the needs of the Sonoma County community as unfortunate and emergency situations arise. Over the past five years, the SCVF Emergency Relief Fund has donated over $380,000 to provide needed resources for wildfire, flood, and pandemic support and emergency relief programs.
“At Community Foundation Sonoma County, we are deeply committed to fostering the resilience and recovery of our community and offering support to the families and individuals affected by recent events,” said Elly Grogan, Interim Vice President for Community Impact, Community Foundation Sonoma County. “We are proud to join forces with the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation in providing a $100,000 grant to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa. Our combined efforts will strengthen vital disaster relief programs, accelerating the healing process and ensuring that our community emerges stronger and better prepared for the future.”
In addition to providing financial support, Sonoma County Vintners encourages businesses, community support organizations and individuals to make donations to assist with flood relief efforts and disaster mitigations in our community.
Please consider making a tax-deductible charitable contribution online to SCVF today at sonomawine.com/foundation and designating it for the Emergency Relief Fund.
About Sonoma County Vintners Foundation
Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides support to the local community through philanthropy and charitable giving. Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) is an accredited 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1988. Its purpose is to consistently support local nonprofit organizations that address issues within the Sonoma County community. SCVF cultivates a vibrant and diverse Sonoma County by elevating lives through charitable events and philanthropic giving. Fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of education & literacy, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture. With SCVF’s many initiatives including the Emergency Relief Fund, the organization is able to impact all needs, ranging from the immediate to the long term. Learn more at sonomawine.com/foundation.
About Sonoma County Wine Auction
Sonoma County Wine Auction brings the region’s renowned winemakers and growers together with distinguished collectors and generous bidders for an opportunity to acquire some of Sonoma County’s top wines and bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Named one of the nation’s top charitable auctions by Wine Spectator, the proceeds raised benefit local Sonoma County charitable organizations. Since its inception, Sonoma County Wine Auction has raised millions of dollars to help fund charitable organizations focusing on education & literacy, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture, and has supported more nonprofits than any other fundraising event in Sonoma County. Learn more at sonomacountywineauction.com
About Community Action Partnership Sonoma County (CAP Sonoma)
Community Action Partnership Sonoma County (CAP Sonoma) changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes Sonoma County a better place to live. CAP Sonoma cares about the entire community and is dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. CAP Sonoma’s mission is to create pathways for economic security that last from one generation to the next. They partner with low-income families to help them achieve financial stability by building community and advocating for social and economic justice. CAP Sonoma has been fighting poverty and challenges among Sonoma County’s most vulnerable populations since 1967. They offer comprehensive family-centered, evidence-based programs throughout Sonoma County. Learn more at capsonoma.org.
About Community Foundation Sonoma County
Community Foundation Sonoma County is the hub of philanthropy for the county, connecting people, ideas, and resources to benefit all who live here. Founded in 1983, CFSC works with philanthropists to create plans that will make an impact in our community and become part of their family’s legacy. CFSC launched the Sonoma County Resilience Fund for disaster recovery in 2017 and has granted more than $17 million to support local recovery efforts. Since 1983, CFSC has made more than $292 million in grants to nonprofit organizations working to better their communities. Learn more at sonomacf.org.
