Friday, August 8, 2008

Give with grace

SV Spiritual Film Festival to host philanthropic evening


By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

At the 2008 Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival there will be many films, such as "Happiness is…" pictured, that compliment and enhance Dick Grace's message of philanthropy from the heart.

"What does wine have to do with philanthropy?" a layman might ask. One quick look into the history and works benefited by various wine auctions around the country can give a hint. Here in the Wood River Valley, the Sun Valley Center for the Arts annual Wine Auction benefits the free programs, scholarships and educational offerings for children.

Dick Grace, 70, owner of the Grace Family Vineyards in Napa Valley, Calif., is a hero among philanthropists. The first vintage of his 1978 Cabernet Sauvignon became a cult wine with single bottles fetching as much as $100,000 at auction. Though he doesn't make his wine or even drink it, Grace knows the value of his product. An ex-marine and stockbroker, Grace used his discipline and business savvy to turn his business into a success and then to create a foundation that is supported by the wine. As well, Grace became a student of Buddhism.

The fourth annual Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival will host an evening with Dick Grace and the Grace Family Foundation to explore philanthropy, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at a private Sun Valley home.

"Personal involvement is the key to successful philanthropy," Grace has said. "You don't have to be wealthy to do good. You don't need just money for philanthropy. It begins with looking at the homeless on the street and acknowledging their humanity, not letting them become invisible. It doesn't cost anything, but it means a lot."

A frequent visitor to Sun Valley, Grace became interested in the work of the Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival, held each September.

"People can anticipate that he will discuss his own experience with philanthropy and also encourage us to define philanthropy in its broadest forms: love, time, compassion and heart," said Mary Gervase, executive director and co-founder of the film festival.

The Grace Family Foundation funds schools and medical facilities in Nepal, Tibet, the Andaman Islands, Mexico and the United States. Grace will show slides and discuss his own efforts and those who have touched him and made a difference.

"His foundation's motto is 'Wine is the catalyst for healing the planet,'" Gervase said. "We've expanded that to include philanthropy for healing the world. He's been involved in so many philanthropic efforts over the years."

Tickets are $125 of which $100 is a tax-deductible contribution.

Entertainment will be provided by Boise jazz musicians Kevin Kirk and Tom Tompkins, and food will be catered by Ciro.

Reservations may be made with Gervase at 788-9729 or directors@svspiritualfilmfestival.org.

The event will benefit the Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival.




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