Markham Vineyards, a Napa Valley Winery believes in giving back to the community. The winery is involved in many charitable organizations including United Way, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, Napa Valley Vintners Annual Auction, Make it Right Foundation, Lili Claire Foundation, City of Hope, Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, and the Catch 22 Foundation.

In addition to the winery’s support of these foundations, Markham Vineyards has begun a program, Mark of Distinction, now in its third year. Each year the winery asks for entries to be submitted that includes a short essay. According to the official rules, “Submit a 300-word-or-fewer essay explaining a community-based philanthropic activity/organization you would implement or how you would expand and/or complete a community project already in existence.” Residents of the United States can participate. Ten essays will be selected to be posted online. The writers of the two winning essays will receive a $25,000 grant for their community project detailed in the essay. The contest began in April but there is plenty of time to submit a 300-word essay as the deadline is July 19, 2010. To learn more about the Mark of Distinction go to http://www.markhammarkofdistinction.com/

Cheers to Markham Vineyards, a winery in Napa Valley who supports community involvement throughout the US.

Kathy