Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival comes up big for local organizations
At a time of critical need for local for local nonprofit organizations, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival has stepped up with donations totaling $45,000.
“The music, dancing, food and wine of the festivak give joy and provide us with the resources to help the organizations that bind us together and make us a community,” said Vintage Festival President Maria Toimil.
In the wake of the October wildfires, nonprofit groups are under pressure to continue providing services and programs with decreased resources, Toimil said. Additionally, nonprofits anticipate a dip in year-end appeals because many individuals and companies have already committed contributions to the fire relief funds.
The 120th annual festival, held in late September, raised $45,000 for distribution to a range of philanthropic groups and civic organizations, including:
AMVETS Post 55- Creekside High School
- Future Farmers of America
- Sonoma Girl Scout Service Unit #103
- Hanna Boys Center
- Mentoring Alliance
- Native Sons of the Golden West #111
- Native Sons of the Golden West #75
- Revolution Softball
- Sonoma Volunteer Firefighter’s Association
- Fire Relief Fund
- Sonoma Valley High School Cross Country
- Sonoma Bar Battle
- Sonoma Valley Fire Department
- Sonoma Valley High School Wrestlers
- Vintage House
- Volunteers in Policing
“We live in a wonderful community where we take care of each other,” said Toimil.
Funding is typically designated for organizations that assist as festival volunteers, but this year, due to the current needs of the community, the Board of Directors expanded to include firefighters who lost their homes while saving others.
“It means a lot that the Vintage Festival board cares about our firefighters,” said Stephen Akre, fire chief, Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority. “We appreciate your thoughtfulness and generous spirit!”
The Festival invites the public to a donation reception at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, December 12, at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First St. W.
