Wine for a cure

In the fast-paced and fun-loving world of wine, it’s important to step back and take a look at the bigger picture. Our Director of Retail Sales, Katie Leonardini, has done just that and pledged to help make a difference in the world of Leukemia and Lymphoma.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was founded in White Plains, NY in 1949 with the goal of providing support and research to the cure of these life-threatening diseases. It is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. They have recently helped to fund new research, such as using the HIV virus to battle Leukemia in a six year old girl.

LLS has managed to give 78 cents of every dollar donated to blood cancer research. Their total of $816 million since their founding has helped thousands of families battle the disease. LLS helps fund research for doctors that have pledged to find a cure.

LLS Woman of the Year

Katie Leonardini is running for “Woman of the Year” for the North Bay chapter of LLS in an effort to raise $30,000 to help fund research for LLS. North Bay is one of 63 chapters across the country. Each candidate has been tasked with fundraising $7,500, but Katie set her sights higher in an effort to prove that women in wine can and will make a difference. As of this post, she has raised close to $5,000 through her website at CrushCancerNapaValley.com.

Katie is the third of five children. She moved her family, including three healthy children, to Napa Valley nine years ago. She has not been directly infected by the disease, though she says, “Why wait until I have a friend or family that suffers from this disease?” She realizes that she can use her resources, connections and a little time to help so many people that suffer.

Get Involved

The fundraising Campaign started on April 18th and continues through June 27th. Visit CrushCancerNapaValley.com to learn more about Katie’s campaign and contribute where you can.

Katie also serves on the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce “Cheers!” committee that has planned an event on Friday, June 7^th, “Ready, Set, Go.” The event includes a 5k run or walk for children and adults in an effort to promote healthy living while raising money for the cause. Held right on Main Street in St. Helena, the June 7^th event starts at 5 PM. Visit her booth to hear first hand from volunteers, employees and families who have been affected by the disease and have received help from LLS.

An exclusive “after party” takes place at a local hotel with live music, cocktails and wine.  For an invitation, please contact Katie directly at [email protected].

“I always feel it is important to count your blessings,” Leonardini said. “I am thankful every day I have three healthy children. Why wait until something goes wrong before you get involved? Be thankful for what you have and help others who are having difficulties.”

We humbly ask that as you enjoy a sip of Whitehall Lane wine, you help our family help so many others in the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma.

Please visit www.crushcancernapavalley.com to learn more about this effort.