Disclosure: I provide marketing services for DaMa Wines. This is not part of my services contract. They just happen to fit perfectly into this series that I am doing for my blog.
When you visit DaMa Wines’ website you notice right away that this is not your typical winery. They are a little edgier, a bit irreverent and while committed to making fine wine, they are also determined to make a difference. I was lucky enough to get Dawn Kammer and Mary Tuuri-Derby on the phone to ask them about why wine and charity go so well together.
“It feels good. It’s the sharing. Wine brings people together; family get-togethers, gathering around the table, sharing experiences. Charity provides the opportunity for sharing good fortune with others. They are both part of the circle of sharing.” Mary said in answer to the primary question. Indeed she and Dawn are part of a community in Walla Walla that is filled with people that pitches in to help others in order that they all succeed and prosper.
Mary continued, “This is not a me me me world. In Walla Walla specifically we all want to make the industry better and so we are always helping each other out. Not that there isn’t competition but we are all pulling for each other to succeed. I think this is central to the wine industry and reflects the spirit that makes charity second nature to most of us.” Both she and Dawn credit the generosity of their neighbors with helping them and DaMa grow and prosper so much, so quickly.
Dawn and Mary have specific criteria for the causes that they will agree to support. “Women, children and families are the priority in our giving,” said Dawn. “We support women and families because these are the heart of a community and are responsible for its growth and transformation.” Dawn continued, “Micro lending in 3rd world countries is a perfect example of where women are empowered to transform an entire community.” Not to deny the business benefits of charitable giving, both readily agree that charity auctions and events are excellent networking opportunities. Dawn concluded, “It is about striking a balance between donating to a valuable cause and creating value for our business.”
One of the charities featured on the DaMa Wines website under their DaMa-Know Effect is St. Mary’s Cancer Center and the Special Needs Fund. Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center provides the setting for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to the care of the cancer patient. Treatments for chemotherapy and radiation therapy are available at the Center as well as a coordinated group of support services brought together for the convenience of their patients and families. Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center nurses are instrumental in identifying the many different ways to put the Special Needs Fund into action on behalf of their patients. Donor support helps to “make the day” or ease the burden for cancer patients in diverse ways, from helping with the cost of pharmaceuticals, nutrition or transportation, to cheering the spirit with a new wig or a bouquet of flowers.
“It makes us feel good as winemakers to give back. I think it also makes the consumer feel good about buying our wine because they can say, “I’m giving back, too,”” declared Dawn “It could make the difference between what wine someone actually buys. A consumer may choose one over another because part of the proceeds goes to the support of charitable organizations.”
In today’s market with the emergence of the millennials as a wine purchasing demographic, charitable giving as part of a winery’s core mission could make a significant difference in its acceptance and popularity among this class of consumers. Though, make no mistake, the DaMa Wines' charitable mission is no marketing gimmick. Mary summed it up for me, “We are just two women trying to make it work. While we don’t have deep pockets, we are doing our best to make a difference in our community and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”
Washington Winemakers – Making a Difference, One Bottle at a Time!