Lake County Wine Alliance distributes $91,500 to community programs
KELSEYVILLE ? The oversized symbolic checks are a true reflection of the generosity of Lake County contributors this year. The Lake County Wine Alliance (LCWA) collected $91,500 to disperse to 16 nonprofit county agencies.
In all, the LCWA has contributed $713,002 since the annual event began in 2000.
“We”re very proud of the efforts of the Alliance and the very generous community,” Margaret Walker-Stimmel, LCWA President said Tuesday evening.
The back room of the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro on Main St. in Kelseyville buzzed with activity and joyful sentiments as representatives of each of the organizations were presented checks on the night before Christmas Eve.
Judith Luchsinger, chair of the beneficiary committee and also on the board of directors of LCWA said this year saw more beneficiaries than any year in the past.
“We also had more applications than ever before, and it”s heartbreaking at times because we want to fund every application,” Luchsinger said.
The LCWA will send out applications for the coming year beginning in February. The selection process is typically complete by May according to Luchsinger.
An organization to be considered as a beneficiary must be well-established, county-wide and be able to show measurement of accountability.
There are three main categories, of which the money is distributed equally.
The recipients received funds in the following amounts: ARTS ? $30,000 total, with “Kids 4 Broadway” receiving $5,000. All five Lake County high school”s get $5,000 apiece for the Fine Arts programs.
HEALTH ? $30,000 total, with $2,500 for Special Olympics, $2,500 for Wiloth Equine Therapy, $2,500 for Adult Day Care/Respite of Clearlake and $12,500 to Hospice of Lake County.
COMMUNITY ? $30,000 total, Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County and Church Women United each get $2,500, Operation Tango Mike $5,000 Lake Family Resource Center and Lake County Literacy Coalition, $10,000 apiece.
The Buckingham Junior Golf Program received the remaining $1,500 to fund activities of the Lake County Junior Golf Council.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or call direct at 263-5636 ext.32.
