The tight-knit and supportive artisan cheese community has had each other’s back in the wake of the recent natural disasters. Many individuals and organizations have come together to help get back on their feet those who’ve been left devastated by the hurricanes, the earthquake and the most recent, fires in Napa and Sonoma counties.
The Callahans of the Bellwether farms in Petaluma, California, too have come forward and pledged support for the wine counties to help rebuild. They have established a $25,000 matching grant from the Bellwether Farms Foundation designated for relief and recovery efforts.
The Foundation is matching $25,000 in donations for up to $50,000 that will go directly to organizations aiding local communities through food donations and other support. One such organization receiving support is the Redwood Empire Food Bank, which is renowned for impact, governance, and transparency.
Bellwether Farms-sponsored events taking place in November and December too will receive relief funds. Healdsburg Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning will receive $10,000 earmarked for the Rotary Club of Healdsburg to rebuild youth activities damaged by the fires. Additionally, Bellwether Farms is a Gold Sponsor of Girls On the Run Sonoma 5K Run on December 2, 2017, where sponsor funds will help waive outstanding registration fees for families impacted by the disaster. Donations are being welcomed by the Foundation online and can be made through the Bellwether Farms website here.
“We are grateful to those who have already given to the Bellwether Farms Foundation and the fire relief efforts,” said owner Diana Callahan. “Recovery from the fires will take years. We’re a resilient community and we’re committed for the long term,” added cheesemaker and owner Liam Callahan. “Establishing this matching grant allows our friends and business partners here and around the country to participate in recovery efforts.”
The Bellwether Farms Foundation was established in 2016, marking the thirtieth year in business for Bellwether Farms. The Callahan family is determined to share their success by pledging one percent of sales to strengthen the food system by supporting organizations which provide hunger relief or food-related education to our communities.
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