By Pierre Ratte
These are just a few of the 100-plus people who came together two weeks ago at Lambert Bridge Winery to celebrate Healdsburg Forever.
Healdsburg Forever? What exactly is Healdsburg Forever? It’s kind of a charity’s charity. Say, what? It’s kind of a “fund of funds” in reverse. In reverse? No, really, what is Healdsburg Forever?
Healdsburg Forever is an endowed, community-advised fund, associated with Community Foundation Sonoma County, which focuses competitive grant money on local charities in the Healdsburg area—including Geyserville, Alexander Valley and parts of the Russian River Valley.
It was noted at this 20th anniversary celebration that convincing donors to give to a community endowment was not easy at first. Why not just give to a charity directly?
Fundraising started slowly. Over time, with Carol Beattie’s leadership in revitalizing the composition and energy of the board before and through the pandemic, and now with Alan Preston at the helm, Healdsburg Forever became the place to give for those who want to support a fund which vets grants to Healdsburg nonprofits.
Ozzie Jimenez, Larry Mills and Sarah Hafner are chairs of the grants, growth and communications committees, respectively. With 22 other prominent members—all unpaid volunteers—Healdsburg Forever efficiently stewards gifts through a competitive process.
The annual gathering on Sept. 19 celebrated the organization’s proven ability to steward funds that meet the diverse and competitive needs of our growing community for 20 years.
Fun facts: Healdsburg Forever gave $400,000 to 12 nonprofits in 2024. Focus areas were food security, health, human resources, youth and education. Over the course of its history, Healdsburg Forever has awarded 220 grants to 65 local nonprofits, totaling $2.9 million. Its endowment now stands at $2.1 million, ensuring future community needs will be addressed.
Lambert Bridge Winery graciously donated its facility for the event. Jimenez and Christian Sullberg from Noble Folk took a beat from 280 weddings to volunteer their ice-cream cart and delicious treats. The Greg Hester Trio added satin jazz notes to a perfect garden gathering.
There are reportedly more than 3,000 nonprofits in Sonoma County. Those who are undecided on which to give to and want to support local community services should consider donating to Healdsburg Forever. (Visit HealdsburgForever.org.)
