Altruist Noun, al·tru·ist: an unselfish person whose actions show concern for the welfare of others
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. – DECEMBER 10, 2024 – Napa Valley’s historic Markham Vineyards is happy to announce the recipients of the winery’s first annual Altruist Awards, which honor local heroes who selflessly devote themselves to the betterment of the Napa Valley community. The recipients of the inaugural 2024 Altruist Awards are Mary Stephenson, one of the founders and emeritus board member of Our Town St. Helena, an acclaimed local non-profit addressing the lack of affordable housing that is essential to enhancing the vitality and character of St. Helena, and Coach Bailie, who works to support the mental health and well-being of Napa’s LGBTQ+ community as the director of training for LGBTQ Connection. In addition to drawing attention to and celebrating the tireless work of these remarkable individuals, the Altruist Awards have provided $1,000 donations to each honoree’s organizations on their behalf.
Taking inspiration from the name of Markham’s acclaimed The Altruist red Bordeaux blend, the Markham team established the Altruist Awards in 2024 to acknowledge and amplify the important work of altruists who are working to preserve the heart, heritage and future of the Napa Valley community. The nominees were evaluated based on their leadership in the Napa community, their generosity and selflessness, and their history of inspiring and motivating others as they work to better our community.
Mary Stephenson – Our Town St. Helena
As a co-founder and former board president of Our Town St. Helena (OTSH), Mary Stephenson worked for over a decade to provide affordable housing through developing new and preserving existing rental and home ownership units for the workforces that are vital to the character, safety and wellbeing of St. Helena. Through Mary’s efforts, OTSH completed the Brenkle Court townhomes in 2022, which allowed eight families with incomes between 40-90 percent of the Napa County median income to become first-time homeowners. As part of the Brenkle Court project, each homebuyer worked 32 hours per week building their home for nearly three years, in addition to their regular employment. Despite a US government shutdown, area wildfires, the COVID pandemic, and global supply chain challenges, the project was finished on budget. Mary’s Altruist Award will help support OTSH’s efforts to deliver more housing opportunities in St. Helena.
Coach Bailie – LGBTQ Connection
As the director of training for LGBTQ Connection, Coach Bailie is an educator building community around the core ideas of safety, health, equity, belonging and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals in Napa County and beyond. Despite growing diversity in Napa Valley, LGBTQ+ residents still face challenges with acceptance, safety and security. Supporting the mental health and well-being of Napa’s LGBTQ+ individuals is essential to creating a welcoming and sustainable Napa Valley. Each year, LGBTQ Connection trains 500 providers from local organizations across Northern California to increase the safety, visibility and well being of LGBTQ residents. In Napa County, the program provides LGBTQ community centers, supporting underserved LGBTQ youth and elders. Coach Bailie also trains organizations and businesses to foster a culture in which staff are better equipped to connect with, affirm, and empower LGBTQ+ individuals, while supporting inclusive hospitality to those visiting our wine country home.
“Markham has been a part of the fabric of Napa Valley for nearly a half century,” says long-time Head Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls. “This is where we grow our grapes, live, and raise our families. There are a lot of selfless individuals here who care deeply about the Napa Valley community. The Altruist Awards are Markham’s way of celebrating individuals like Mary and Coach Bailie who exemplify the qualities of an altruist and are tirelessly working to better the lives of the people who live and work here.”
About Markham Vineyards
Founded in 1977, Napa Valley’s Markham Vineyards is recognized for producing world-class Bordeaux-varietal wines, including some of North America’s most celebrated Merlots, from its 260 acres of sustainably certified estate vineyards and land. A women-led winery and part of the fabric of Napa Valley for almost half a century, Markham Vineyards is committed to equity, inclusion and enriching the Napa Valley community. Markham welcomes guests daily at its historic stone winery in St. Helena.
