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Hip Hip Hooray!
We are excited to celebrate the graduation of the 7th cohort of the Fields of Opportunity program! Congratulations to all 30 students who successfully completed this intensive 8-week summer mentorship journey. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the certificate of Special Congressional Recognition and California State Legislature Certificate of Recognition by Maira Ayala from Congressman Mike Thompson's office. This prestigious acknowledgment reflects the immense dedication and effort these students have invested in their personal and professional growth. Throughout the program, mentors from across Napa Valley provided these students with invaluable, hands-on learning experiences. Their guidance has empowered the students to envision and pursue a brighter future. We express our deepest appreciation to the mentors for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in our industry. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following esteemed partners for their invaluable contributions to the Fields of Opportunity program:
Transforming Lives for the Better - Student Testimonials "I have learned how to speak in front of people with more confidence." "I learned that you should always try to be a better version of your self." "I learned that teamwork is the biggest thing." Heartfelt Thanks to Our Partners This program is made possible in part by the generosity of: CDFA Specialty Crop Block Grant, Duckhorn Portfolio Founders Fund, Freed Family Fund of the Napa Valley Community Foundation, In School & Out of School Fund – a Community Impact Fund of the Napa Valley Community Foundation and Foley Family Charitable Foundation. A special thanks to program collaborators: Napa Valley Grapegrowers, Napa Valley Education Foundation, Napa Valley Unified School District, St. Helena Unified School District, and Calistoga Join Unified School District! If you're interested in becoming a mentor for 2025, please contact Jill at [email protected].
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 Congratulations to our very own Executive Director & CEO, Sonya DeLuca, for being recognized and honored as a philanthropic community leader in Napa Valley Life's 5th Annual Philanthropy Issue.
Each year, Napa Valley Life dedicates its summer issue to celebrating the individuals and organizations in Napa Valley who donate money, volunteer their time, or advocate for various causes. Philanthropy—the act of giving back to the community—strengthens a region's social fabric and paves the way for a brighter future. The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is humbled and grateful to be featured and highlighted as one of the valley’s most valuable resources in supporting the workers who do the hard work that has made Napa Valley what it is today. Check out the profile here!  Leer en español Napa, CA. Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation announces receipt of The Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence Award. CVNL awarded funds to recognize and honor Napa County’s outstanding nonprofit volunteers, leaders, and organizations at their 9th Annual Heart of Napa Awards™ on May 16th. This event celebrates the dedication and contributions of those who have significantly impacted the Napa community through their efforts. The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is the proud recipient of the Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence Award, sponsored by the Peter A. and Vernice H. Gasser Foundation. This award recognizes the Foundation's leadership as well as barrier-breaking programming and services, which have resulted in increased literacy, pay raises, and access to resources for farmworkers and their families. “Napa Valley has so many incredible nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to support and strengthen our community. We were honored to be nominated among these esteemed partners and humbled to receive the Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence award. We are laser-focused on our mission to serve without expectation of acclaim, so to be recognized in this way not only acknowledges our collective efforts but is also a reminder of the profound impact of our mission-driven work,” commented the Farmworker Foundation Executive Director, Sonya DeLuca. The Foundation received an award of $5,000 and certificates of recognition from Congressman Mike Thompson, State Senator Bill Dodd, State Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and the Napa County Board of Supervisors. For press inquiries related to the work of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, please contact Sonya DeLuca at [email protected]. Congratulations to Paul Goldberg, President of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF), on receiving the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' 2024 Grower of the Year Award. Paul was chosen for this prestigious honor because his dedication to sustainable farming practices and cultivating top-tier wine grapes has been unwavering. He has set a new standard for exceptional farming in the Napa Valley, raising the bar for viticultural excellence, and his commitment to cultivating an environment where individuals are also encouraged to flourish truly sets him apart. As a founding member of the FWF, Paul has been committed to providing education and professional development opportunities for Napa County farmworkers, recognizing their vital contributions to our industry and community, for over a decade. Under his presidency, the organization has added 14 new programs and grown participation by 25%. Felicidades, Paul - estamos muy orgullosos! Ver en español The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is immensely grateful for the four recent grants received through the Napa Valley Community Foundation. Three of the grants will directly support our Fields of Opportunity youth mentor program and one supports general education. All four significantly help to advance our mission to support and promote Napa Valley's vineyard workers through education and professional development. We extend our heartfelt thanks to: Napa Valley Community Foundation, a valuable resource for our community working side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces. Freed Family Fund of Napa Valley Community Foundation, which supports summer mentorship opportunities for high school students. The Gordon F. & Marion J. Davies Endowment Fund, a Field of Interest Fund of Napa Valley Community Foundation, that helps at-risk Napa County high school students graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education or vocational training. In School & Out of School Fund, a Community Impact Fund of Napa Valley Community Foundation, that helps students build academic and leadership skills that will take them from preschool to college. Silverado Farming Company 1% for the Community Fund of Napa Valley Community Foundation, which donates 1 percent of Silverado Farming’s gross profits to fund initiatives supporting at-risk youth and agricultural workers. Together, we are making a difference, enriching lives, and building a stronger community. Thank you  In quarter one of this year, over 500 Napa Valley farmworkers invested in their personal and professional growth through attending our educational programs. Students participated in classes ranging from computer literacy and Excel, understanding the why behind irrigation design, financial literacy, supervisor development, and so much more.
Some Q1 program highlights: STUDENT TESTIMONIALS “It is important for me to know about climate science and its impact on vineyards. What I learned will help me do my job better and to make better decisions in general.” “Navigating the American Retirement System class was useful because it showed us there are different ways to save for a future retirement. I am going to share the information with others at work as well.” “The Introduction to Computers class opened my mind to other opportunities to use the computer for work. The information I learned will help me be more efficient at work and I am going to continue to practice what I learned.” Congratulations to Jesús Gámez from Walsh Vineyard Management, the lucky winner of our National Farmworker Awareness Week $500 giveaway! A big thank you to everyone who participated and shared their stories recognizing the important contributions made by Napa Valley farmworkers. ___ ¡Felicidades a Jesús Gámez de Walsh Vineyard Management, el afortunado ganador de nuestro sorteo de $500 para celebrar la semana nacional del trabajador del campo! Muchas gracias a todos los que participaron y compartieron sus historias que reconocen las importantes contribuciones hechas por los trabajadores del campo del valle de Napa.
Photos by Chrome Visual Co. Photos by Chrome Visual Co. NAPA, CA (February 5, 2024) – The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF) celebrated its 22nd Annual Napa County Pruning Contest at Beringer’s Gamble Ranch Vineyard on Saturday, February 3. It was a perfect day as 113 contestants displayed exceptional skill and determination in what is considered the most prestigious competition for Napa Valley’s vineyard professionals. Scoring for the competition is weighted for technique and quality, allowing contestants to demonstrate their dedication to high-quality, Napa Valley grape-growing.
During the main event, each of the contestants pruned five vines in the day’s preliminary competition. Those with the highest scores went on to the final round, which produced the winners: 4 in the women’s division and 4 in the men’s division. The winners took home a generous collection of gifts, which included cash, pruning tools, Napa Valley wine, gift cards from Silicon Valley Bank and Sunbelt Rentals; and a handmade silver belt buckle from Max Lang Belt and Buckles and a FELCO champions jacket was given to the 1st place winners. Employers typically match the cash prize winnings, so the day was highly rewarding for the top 8 finalists. An outstanding display of talent this year was Ana Mejia from Trefethen Family Vineyards. In 2023 she competed in the women’s division and took third place. However, she returned this year determined to advance. “I came [to the 2024 competition] with more confidence and purpose,” said Mejia, “I wanted to demonstrate that women are also able to compete.” Mejia proudly took first place in this year’s competition, taking to the podium with a smile from ear-to-ear. Adding to this year’s energy was local radio DJ Gabriela Fernandez of MegaMix, who broadcast live from the event grounds. She interviewed Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation leadership, finalists, and long-time sponsors, like Antonio Zamora from A&J Vineyard Supply, who said, “As a business that provides the Napa Valley with high-quality vineyard supplies, we see the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation as an asset to the grape-growing community, and one that aligns with our values. Adding, too, that sponsoring their Napa County Pruning Contest is a great opportunity to connect with those we support – from farmworkers to grape growers. If it wasn’t for the dedicated, expert talent tending to the local vineyards, the Napa Valley wouldn’t be what it is today.” Competitors are Napa County farmworkers and full-time employees. All farmworkers who work in Napa County are eligible to compete. Winners received: 1st Place: $1,550 in cash and gifts cards, a custom belt buckle, FELCO champions jacket, Vineyard Industry Products tools and supplies, Central Valley tools and supplies, and wine from Bazán Cellars 2nd Place: $1,075 in cash and gifts cards, Central Valley tools and supplies, and wine from Bazán Cellars 3rd Place: $800 in cash and gifts cards, Central Valley tools and supplies, and wine from Larkmead Vineyards 4th Place: $550 in cash and gifts cards, Central Valley tools and supplies, and wine from Bazán Cellars All contestants received a black leather pruning shear holster from FELCO. Women’s Division Winners: 1st Place: Ana Mejía, Trefethen Family Vineyards 2nd Place: Rubi Reyes Hernández, Gonzalez Vineyard Management 3rd Place: Guadalupe Gutiérrez, Renteria Vineyard Management 4th Place: Cristina Arroyo, Renteria Vineyard Management Men’s Division Winners: 1st Place: Guadalupe Soriano, Atlas Vineyard Management 2nd Place: Benjamin Marron, Bettinelli Vineyards 3rd Place: Julio Alonso, Hardin Vineyard Management 4th Place: Jesús Sánchez, Renteria Vineyard Management Support for this event was provided by sponsors Nemerever Vineyards, Silicon Valley Bank, Central Valley Ag Supplies, FELCO, Duarte Trees & Vines, Sunbelt Rentals, Ag Health Benefits Alliance, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, Jaguar Farm Labor Contracting, Brotemarkle Davis & Co, Malloy Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Services, Pearls Farm Labor, Renteria Vineyard Management, Sunridge Nurseries, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Jim’s Supply Co., Garton Tractor, Taddei Vineyards, Gonzalez Vineyard Management, Vineyard Industry Products, A&J Vineyard Supply, Green Valley Tractor, and our partner in health, OLE Health. Thank you to the Napa Valley community members who served on the Napa County Pruning Contest Committee: Gustavo Aviña, Brianna Beighle, Pam Bond, Garrett Buckland, Chad Clark, Roberto Juarez, Joe Nasharr, Hayden Schmidter, Kendall Smith, Anulfo Solorio, Macy Stubstad and to all the wine industry volunteers who came out to support the event. Photos from the 22nd annual Napa County Pruning Contest are available upon request. All photos were taken by Chrome Visual Co. For press inquiries regarding the annual Napa County Pruning Contest, please email Caroline Feuchuk, NVG Marketing Director, at [email protected]. |
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