One.org & American Idol

So this isn't really about wine, it's more about poverty & our responsibility to help those in need. I don't know how many of you all caught the special American Idol Gives Back show last night, but it was pretty incredible. I was celebrating with my friend Tony last night at his bachelor party and easily dropped a couple of hundred bucks on drinks, food, and fun. It really hit me hard today to watch the show and see just how bad things are in Africa as well as parts of the United States -- and to know how good we have it. I feel incredibly compelled to do something more about it. We give money to some charities throughout the year, but it really unfortunately takes some graphic window into that other world to motivate me (and I'm guessing most) into action. I don't mean to pontificate on something that I've been very lax about, but I think every little discussion or mention will go miles on the road to saving people's lives.

I matched the money I spent last night on fun & frivolity to the American Idol Gives Back drive. I also volunteered with www.one.org which is spearheading efforts to make a real difference through education and open dialogue. Their philosophy is that if America would spend just 1% of its budget in a years time we could virtually wipe out poverty, hunger, and many of the medical issues affecting these same people.

Back to wine now -- I think what we'll do this Sunday night (4/29/07) and every last Sunday in the month going forward is to give back through wine. We'll donate 50% of our proceeds on those nights to fight poverty, help educate, and provide medical help. I know this might seem like a very small thing, but for our growing business it's a pretty big deal. I like the fact that it's directly proportional to what you all do. I challenge those of you who have the time and feel this on your heart to come by on Sunday and learn a little more about the problems and what we all can do collectively to help eradicate them.

I feel very blessed to have a great family, good friends, and a very wonderful business that I'm passionate about; but I also feel that life just gets too hectic and we don't necessarily do the very important things. I am as guilty as anyone. And I want to change that.

I'd recommend checking out www.one.org and challenging yourself to get involved. See you soon...



/mike