Sterling Vineyards Raises $20,000 for Napa Families

Funds Raised From the Sterling Silver Screen Series Help Make the Season Brighter for The Calistoga Family Center and St. Helena Family Center

NAPA, Calif., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its support of the local community, Sterling Vineyards, the landmark Napa Valley winery, has distributed $20,000 from its Stars & Vines Fund with the Napa Valley Community Foundation. The St. Helena Family Center and the Calistoga Family Center will receive $10,000 each for much-needed programs. The grants are a direct result of funds raised from the winery's sixth annual Silver Screen Series.

"Over the past six years, not only has Sterling Vineyards' Silver Screen Series become "summer date night" for Napa Valley, but -- more importantly -- over the years, we have raised more than $90,000 for the Napa community," said Jim O'Shea, hospitality manager at Sterling Vineyards. "Now more than ever, it's imperative that we support those agencies truly making a difference in our local community."

The donated funds help the St. Helena Family Center run the VITA program. VITA is a joint program of the United Way and the IRS providing low-income families with the opportunity to not only file their tax return without cost, but in most cases to receive the benefit of the Earned Income Tax Credit for families with children.

"With last year's donation, we helped 110 families file their tax credits producing an average refund of $1108 for each family," said Dan Melligan, executive director at the St. Helena Family Center. "Through Sterling Vineyards' continued support we help Napa's most worthy families with the programs and services that can make a real difference in their lives."

The Calistoga Family Center uses the donation to support their Healthy Families Strong Community Project. This program helps families become self-sufficient by providing local access to services such as health care, legal services and housing.

"We strive to help Calistoga parents provide their children with an environment that promotes learning and health," said Stephanie Parry, executive director, Calistoga Family Center. "Sterling Vineyards' generosity helps the Calistoga Family Center improve family life with more than 30 different programs."

About Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards wine is produced by Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E), part of Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O); the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E produces and markets premium wines from around the globe including Napa Valley, Sonoma, the California Central Coast, Washington, France, New Zealand and Australia. Brands include: Beaulieu Vineyard, Sterling Vineyards, Sterling Vintner's Collection, Chalone Vineyard, Acacia Vineyard, Edna Valley Vineyard and Provenance Vineyards as well as the French wines of Barton & Guestier. DC&E is also a leading importer of classified Bordeaux and Burgundy estate-bottled wines and F.E. Trimbach.