Drink Charitably!

The word ‘Humanitas’ is Latin & translates into words like ‘human nature’, ‘philanthropy’,  and ‘kindness’.  But to me, the logical word is ‘humanitarian’.  And with a winery dedicated to giving back, I am always interested in and fascinated by compelling charitable organizations.  I am particularly drawn to groups that ‘provide a leg up’ to those in need rather than a hand out.  That is, I like it when organizations help others learn to help themselves. 

Habitat for Humanity is like this.  So is Heifer International.  The reality is, there are so many good causes to support — maybe too many — and that world is extremely competitive.  So many good causes vying for money – so many good causes trying to break through with a clear, compelling message.  Hmm — now that I think of it, sounds like the wine business!

Last week, a friend of mine, Walt Spevak asked if I would donate & pour my wines at a small fund-raising event for an organization called Right to Play.  As just about every charity in the world asks me for free wine, I really need to evaluate the cause and stay focused.  But something about this charity intrigued me. 

Maybe it was the story.  The Founder, President & CEO of Right to Play is four-time Norwegian gold medal speed skater Johann Olav Koss.  After winning three of his medals in the 1994 Lillehammer games, Johann dedicated his life to helping kids in truly impoverished countries get ahead — a true ‘leg up’ through soccer.

Maybe it was the vision.  I love clear vision and compelling, actionable missions.  The RTP Vision is to create a healthier and safer world through the power of sport and play.  The Mission is to improve the lives of children in the most disadvantaged areas of the world by using the power of sport and play for development, health and peace.

Maybe it was the simplicity.  Millions of kids are displaced by war, poverty & disease worldwide — especially in Africa, Asia & the Middle East.  Right to Play uses Olympic, Paralympic & professional athletes from more than 40 countries to inspire these children, act as role models for healthy lifestyle choices & help train local coaches & teachers to establish foundational community building.

Whatever it was, I believe Right to Play is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to find a meaningful cause & help.  This international charity has grown to a $30 million budget this year — yet it is almost unheard of in the United States…and is just in the nacent stages here in the West.  I was moved by a wonderful story told about a local Mill Valley kid’s soccer group who, upon learning of RTP, elected, in lieu of trophies at the end of the season, to give the money that would have been spent on the trophies to Right to Play.  A small gesture, but a significant one — not only for the good of the kids in need, but for the kids who gave.

This spirit of social responsibility is so important and I know it is hard to choose between all of the charity choices.  I think the most important thing is to do something — anything to help someone – get involved.  WineDiverGirl wrote a very nice post on the topic in her post entitled ‘Responsibility Revolution.’  Don’t delay — take the leap and get involved today helping somehow.  And I highly recommend looking into Right to Play as an excellent start.