MCHFoundation began in 1984 as nonprofit, charitable organization which could receive gifts from individuals, and other entities, to benefit the coastal hospital. The Foundation received its first large gift, a land parcel from Georgia-Pacific Corporation, valued at over $1M, a great start to a long history of successful fundraising!
A year after MCHFoundation was formed, the organization planned it’s first fundraising event, Winesong, a full day celebration in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Friends gathered to enjoy music, wine, food and participate in a live auction, with the proceeds benefiting the Foundation. Artists and vendors and volunteers and supporters made the first Winesong such a success, that beyond the $30,000 raised, a tradition was born. Winesong has been celebrated ever since, with increased success, while also building a community over time and distance.
In the years since it’s founding, the MCHFoundation has grown to embrace a wider range of entities to support through grants. In order to better provide for the essential healthcare needs of our coastal community, MCHFoundation currently funds grants for the hospital, clinics, medical support and resource centers, volunteer fire departments, and any organization or program that cares for the health and wellness of our community.
During 2020 MCHFoundation provided direct grants to support 25 projects or needs, as requested by our healthcare partners, and approved by the Foundation Board. To date MCHFoundation has raised and allocated over $9.3M to improve lives in their community.
Winesong
The Weekend of September 10th, 2021 - Stronger Together
Each year since 1985, Winesong has been produced by the MCHFoundation, as a charitable fundraiser event, traditionally held in the Mendocino Botanical Gardens. Winesong has become a community over the years and has grown to be a favorite summer event for people both locally and who travel to Mendocino.
Over the years hundreds of artists, vintners, winemakers, chefs, vendors, and volunteers have come together to celebrate and donate their work, time and goods for the annual Winesong auction. The community that has formed surrounding this event, has built connections over distances and time, that continue to support and rejoice in all that we can achieve together.
Winesong 2021 Fund A Need – Excellence in Nursing
Each year, Winesong sets a fundraising goal based on a specific need in our community. This year and for the foreseeable future, our focus is to recruit, retain, recognize, and educate our heroes of healthcare - Nurses
Our Fund A Need 2021 campaign focuses on the critical issues surrounding nurses on the coast, and nationwide. These heroes, who have so dedicatedly cared for our community, in our hospital, clinics and home care agencies, need our support.
Nationally there is a critical nursing shortage which is felt more acutely in rural areas. The number of available hospital beds is limited by the number of available skilled nurses. Nurses are the essential bridge between patients and care.
This pandemic has placed an immense burden on these skilled professionals and we deeply appreciate their courage and sacrifice. We also know it is time to turn our attention to their needs and work with partners who understand how to improve life for those that risk so much in the care of others.
We can help ease their burden by funding support services that care for our nurses and their families and educational opportunities to help increase the number of working nurses on the coast. Together we can care for our nurses, who are always there to care for us.
RSVP Today for Winesong 2021 - Stronger Together
Winesong 2021 will be safe series of events, both in-person and virtual. Please RSVP now and let us know that you are planning to be part of the celebration. We will follow up with details and updates. Tell your friends!
