WineGrowers Association Has a New Nonprofit Partner for 2024

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Dougle’s County’s Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association (UVWA) has a new nonprofit partner for their 2024 Greatest of the Grape Event .

In order to determine which winery will receive the “Greatest of the Grape” award, more than eighteen Umpqua Valley wineries will participate in the Greatest of the Grape event this year.

The Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association (UVWA) hosts this yearly event. Ali Rodgers, the Executive Director, announced the 2024 nonprofit partner. He said: “Our oldest wine celebration in Oregon, which is now in its 52nd year, will have the Family Development Center (FDC) on board this year. They are our nonprofit wheel of wine recipients. Even though we will offer a wide range of activities, our wine tasting will be the best part of this event.”

One way to show support is by participating in the “Wheel of Wine.” By spinning the wheel for $25.00, the participants can win a bottle of wine. This will help the FDC reach their goal of raising $5,000.

According to FDC Executive Director Marsha LaVerne, funding will be extremely helpful to their cause because they intend to reinvest it all in the community services they offer.

Their aim at the Family Development Center is to protect children from abuse and neglect and to strengthen families. Families under a lot of stress can receive education and support from the FDC.

According to Ms. LaVerne, “All proceeds will be used exclusively for the direct services we offer to families, which may include home visits and/or behavioral health assistance. It covers necessities so that we can give families food, clothing, and diapers; in other words, it is a direct benefit of the ongoing work that we are doing.”

In 2023, the Greatest of the Grape Event collaborated with the charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace to raise money for neighborhood kids in need of new beds. For your interest, the information for this event is here.

For this year, 2024, the caterers will be Seven Feathers. They will provide the appetizers as well as the music for the event. Visitors will be able to participate in the silent auction of wine-related items. Most of all, they will participate in casting their votes for the 2024 winner of the Greatest of the Grape award.

The event is scheduled to take place on February 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville.