Ponzi Blog

2018 Giving: Thank you to our patrons

Since its founding in 1970, Ponzi Vineyards has proudly championed local organizations that offer vital support to our community. With the opening of the new tasting room in Sherwood in 2013, the Ponzi family launched the Charity of the Month program. The program benefits a different local charity each month with the donation of a portion of all tasting fees.

In 2018, the following organizations received support thanks to patrons like you.

Family of Friends
David Sheldrick Foundation
Henderson House
Hope for Autism
Project Lemonade
Adelante Mujeres
POST
Breast Friends
Oregon Parenting
Community Action
¡Salud! (Auction host and member of the Vintners Circle)

We are grateful to you and wish you a peaceful New Year.

Dec 26, 2018 at 11:56 AM Permalink

Charity of the Month: December - Community Action

Throughout the month of December, a portion of tasting fees from the Ponzi Vineyards tasting room will be donated to Community Action, an organization that works to eliminate conditions of poverty and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive.

Community Action’s vision is a Washington County whose residents are strong, resilient, involved in the community and living with dignity and security. They work and innovate with community partners to offer hope, help and change for residents in need. They do this through programs in the areas of Energy Assistance, Family Development, Early Childhood Development and Housing Stability. They have a genuine concern and knowledge regarding issues of poverty. Recognized and respected, they work collaboratively with funders and other service providers and act as a community leader and catalyst in community efforts to address homelessness and affordable housing.

We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to Community Action through the end of December.

• Learn more about Community Action.
• Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland.
• Read about our Tasting Room.

Dec 4, 2018 at 2:25 PM Permalink

Charity of the Month - November: Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative

Throughout the Month of November, a portion of tasting fees from the Ponzi Vineyards tasting room will be donated to the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative, an organization that supports the delivery of high-quality parenting education programs and systems throughout the region.

OPEC works towards a vision of all Oregon parents having access to high quality, proven parenting education programs that support them in their roles as their children’s first and most important teachers. They hope that all Oregon communities will be served by a network of strong parenting programs and a regional parenting educational hub, and that Oregon will be a national leader in professionalizing and normalizing parenting education.

“Parent involvement in a child’s education is the most important factor in their academic success,” notes Ponzi Vineyards Accountant Jeffrey Huffman. “We love our teachers, every one a dedicated professional, but without strong parental support, they’re at a disadvantage educating our kids.” 

Thanks to generous funding, OPEC provides research-based resources including monthly newsletters and blog posts to help parents on their parenting journey. In addition, OPEC sends trained Parenting Educators into our communities to share training and build a network for support and resources to promote quality education.

The Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative is a program of the Oregon Community Foundation. The mission of The Oregon Community Foundation is to improve lives for all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. They work with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create charitable funds—more than 2,800 of them—that support the community causes donors care about. These funds support the critical work that nonprofits are doing across Oregon. Through these funds, OCF awarded more than $118 million in grants and scholarships in 2017.

We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative through the end of November.

• Learn more about the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative.
• Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland. 
• Read about our Tasting Room.

Oct 31, 2018 at 2:48 PM Permalink

Charity of the Month--October: Breast Friends

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, throughout October a portion of tasting fees from the Ponzi Vineyards Tasting Room will be donated to Breast Friends, an organization that works to ensure that no woman faces cancer alone.

Breast Friends is a unique resource for women, their family, friends, co-workers and the community. Their mission is to minimize the fear and isolation of a cancer diagnosis and improve the quality of life for those affected by it. For over a decade, their programs have empowered thousands by providing emotional support and hope. They instruct friends and family in specific ways to support their sick loved ones and they provide resources for the entire family. Breast Friends volunteers are cancer survivors themselves, offering individual assistance through one-on-one contact via phone or in person. They also provide customized support groups.

Breast Friends was chosen as our October charity by President Anna Maria Ponzi. “Breast cancer impacts so many women,” she said, “including members of the Ponzi Vineyards team, their friends and families. The great work this charity does to support female cancer patients is near and dear to Ponzi Vineyards.”

We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to Breast Friends through the end of October.

• Learn more about Breast Friends.
• Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland. 
• Read about our Tasting Room. 

Oct 3, 2018 at 2:30 PM Permalink

Charity of the Month - August 2018: Adelante Mujeres

THROUGHOUT AUGUST 2018, A PORTION OF EVERY TASTING FEE AT PONZI VINEYARDS WILL BE DONATED TO ADELANTE MUJERES.

Adelante Mujeres has been selected as our Charity of the Month. This organization educates and empowers low-income Latina women and families in the state of Oregon. Annually, they serve more than 5,500 families, helping them become full participants and active leaders in the community.

Adelante Mujeres means “women rise up” in Spanish. Founded in 2002, it was created to serve the oft-overlooked population of Latina women by offering programs developed specifically to help them participate in activities and classes. Since then, it has grown to serve Latino youth, children and men as well as women. Adelante Mujeres promotes school readiness for young children, pathways to higher education for youth and lifelong learning for adults. It also provides training, technical assistance, networking opportunities, and strategies for raising capital to help Latino entrepreneurs launch successful and sustainable small businesses, and provides aspiring Latino immigrant farmers and gardeners with the training and skills necessary to grow produce using sustainable methods and to successfully market their products. In 2005, they launched the Forest Grove Farmers Market to provide an outlet for small farmers and food producers to connect with the community by offering fresh, local goods.

This organization was selected as our Charity of the Month by Miguel Ortiz, Vineyard Manager at Ponzi Vineyards. He says, "This program is special to me because it helps youths build strong cultural identity and fosters healthy lifestyles and academic success. Every high school senior involved in the program graduates high school and goes on to college."

We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to Adelante Mujeres through the end of August.

• Learn more about Adelante Mujeres.
• Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland.
• Read about our Tasting Room.

Aug 1, 2018 at 3:06 PM Permalink

CHARITY OF THE MONTH - JULY 2018: PROJECT LEMONADE

THROUGHOUT JULY 2018, A PORTION OF EVERY TASTING FEE AT PONZI VINEYARDS WILL BE DONATED TO PROJECT LEMONADE.

Project Lemonade has been selected as our Charity of the Month. This organization, run entirely by volunteers, supports and promotes confidence in foster children by helping them shop for free back-to-school clothes at their location in Lloyd Center Mall. Each foster child selects their own new or nearly new outfits, accessories and shoes. Any child with an open case and those under the supervision of the state of Oregon are eligible to schedule an appointment to shop.

Since 2012, Project Lemonade has served approximately 10,000 foster children from over 26 counties. There are around 13,000 children in the Oregon foster care system. Budget reductions have practically eliminated state-issued clothing vouchers that foster families use to purchase clothing. Many foster children move frequently and sometimes suddenly, and can fit all of their belongings in a single plastic trash bag. Project Lemonade was created to help provide essential clothing items to these children.

This organization was selected as our Charity of the Month by Anna Maria Ponzi, Winery President and Director of Sales and Marketing at Ponzi Vineyards. “Project Lemonade is based on a simple principal: when kids feel good about themselves, their confidence builds, which drives inspiration and motivation,” says Ponzi. “Most foster kids move to several homes throughout the year, usually bringing with them very few belongings. What clothing they may have is often too small or well-worn. At Project Lemonade, we allow kids the thrill of shopping for new back-to-school clothes, which for many is a unique experience. It’s amazing what can happen when a young person begins those first days of school feeling empowered simply by what they’re wearing. I am drawn to help those without a voice. I feel obligated to advocate and support those whose journeys have been difficult, especially young people who are victims of situations beyond their control. Project Lemonade, through its simple mission, allows me a way to make another individual’s path less challenging and, if nothing else for a moment, just a little more positive.”

We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to Project Lemonade through the end of July.

• Learn more about Project Lemonade.
• Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland. 
• Read about our Tasting Room.

Jul 6, 2018 at 10:52 PM Permalink

CHARITY OF THE MONTH - JUNE 2018: A HOPE FOR AUTISM

THROUGHOUT JUNE 2018, A PORTION OF EVERY TASTING FEE AT PONZI VINEYARDS WILL BE DONATED TO A HOPE FOR AUTISM.

A Hope for Autism (AHFA) has been selected as our Charity of the Month. This organization provides evidence-based treatment to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, helping them achieve their highest potential regardless of their financial situation or insurance plan. Using internationally recognized methods, AHFA positively impacts children’s lives by providing individualized therapy and education for children with autism and related disorders and their families, and strives to assist and educate the community about autism.

This organization was selected as our Charity of the Month by Peter Van Etten, Tasting Room and Club Sales Manager at Ponzi Vineyards. “I selected Hope for Autism for their work with families affected by autism,” says Van Etten. “My wife is currently in a graduate program for speech language pathology and she has helped me become more aware of the different struggles kids and their parents face when diagnosed with autism. As a parent, I could only imagine how difficult it would be and I’m thankful A Hope for Autism can provide these important services to support the families affected by autism.”

We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to A Hope for Autism through the end of June.

• Learn more about A Hope for Autism. 
• Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland. 

Jun 8, 2018 at 11:30 AM Permalink

CHARITY OF THE MONTH - MAY 2018: HENDERSON HOUSE

THROUGHOUT MAY 2018, A PORTION OF EVERY TASTING FEE AT PONZI VINEYARDS WILL BE DONATED TO HENDERSON HOUSE.

Henderson House has been selected as our Charity of the Month. This organization is comprised of advocates, preventers, supporters and allies who develop programs to connect people to resources, educate about the realities of violence and sexual assault experiences, and shed light on social injustices. They provide a wide range of crucial services, including leading support groups, assisting clients with filling out protection order paperwork, assisting clients with escape from dangerous situations, and much more.

Their mission is to provide culturally aware outreach, education and services for victims of domestic and sexual violence through leadership, hope and respect for thriving families.

This organization was selected as our Charity of the Month by Val Hoxie, Operations and HR Manager at Ponzi Vineyards. “This is a cause close to my heart,” says Hoxie. “I think people tend to forget this is something that occurs all the time, to people in every walk of life. If there’s any chance to help, I’m in.”

We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to Henderson House.

• Learn more about Henderson House.
• Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland.
• Read about our Tasting Room.

May 2, 2018 at 9:59 AM Permalink

Charity of the Month - April 2018: Post 58

THROUGHOUT APRIL 2018, A PORTION OF EVERY TASTING FEE AT PONZI VINEYARDS
WILL BE DONATED TO POST 58.

Post 58 has been selected as our Charity of the Month. This organization is comprised of Portland-area students aged 14-18 who engage in outdoor adventures under the guidance of experienced adults. These outdoor adventures include rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, mountaineering and more in locales around the Northwest.

Their mission is to provide an arena for personal growth and positive social interaction to a diverse group of high school students by creating experiences that foster responsibility, respect and a passion for the outdoors.

Post 58 is a personal passion project of Mia Hamacher. Mia is the daughter of winemaker Luisa Ponzi as well as member and Student President of Post 58. 

"The Post ... has been such a hugely influential and important part of my adolescent life and the lives of many other teens in the Portland area. With nearly 140 current members, and outreach programs through Oregon Foster Services and Janus Youth Programming, the Post provides a uniquely safe and welcoming space, through monthly meetings, with singing, poetry and story sharing, and affordable trips that get teens into the outdoors and encourage independence and accountability." 
– Mia Hamacher, member and Student President of Post 58

We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to Post 58.

• Learn more about Post 58.
• Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland.
• Read about our Tasting Room.

Apr 6, 2018 at 10:26 AM Permalink

Charity of the Month, Winter 2018: Family of Friends Mentoring

Throughout WINTER 2018, A portion of every tasting fee

will be donated to Family of Friends.

The Gresham based organization reaches Portland area youth with a mission to build relationships that elevate kids and families and make our community stronger.

Family of Friends is a personal passion project of Ponzi's Associate Winemaker, JP Pierce. We asked JP to share a bit about what inspired his support of this great organization.

"Family of Friends would give 6 weeks’ worth of training and place us with a family in our area who had a child at risk of not graduating high school."

"In late 2014 my wife Heidi and I were looking for ways to give back and forge a deeper connection with our community in Portland.  After coming across an online post from Family of Friends, we decided that becoming mentors for at-risk-youth in our area was a perfect option.  We would be given 6 weeks’ worth of training and be matched with a family in our area who had a child at risk of not graduating high school.   We could share our free time, imagination, love, and joy, with some young boy or girl who needed exposure to new experiences they couldn’t otherwise have. 

All of the children in Family of Friends come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds but similarly share stressors in their home life that would keep them from succeeding in school and from having opportunities we take for granted.  As mentors, we get to share anything we do, A to Z with some great kids (our family has 3 siblings), and in return we get to be a part of building a stronger community.  Heidi and I are very fortunate to be a part of our mentee’s life for these last 3+ years, and remain a voice and ears to someone growing up it a tough situation. "

About Family of Friends

Family of Friends' mentoring program matches volunteers with kids for a minimum of one year, though relationships often last for several years, and beyond. The mentor and mentee get together weekly for outings in the community. The organization's website shares the key benefits to this program, which was founded in 2003: "Kids get access to another trusted adult and fun activities, parents get an advocate for their child, and volunteers get to share their time and experience. Everyone gains a deeper understanding of the world around them."

We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to Family of Friends.

Learn More

Nov 30, 2017 at 12:17 PM Permalink