MMD Ultra Marathon Fundraising Event
Maisons Marques et Domaines are undertaking a collaborative “MMD Ultra Marathon” this December, during which team members will work together to collectively travel 70 miles on foot in the space of 24 hours to fundraise for those affected by the fire storms in California this year.
As of November 10th, there have been 9,177 fire incidents in California this year. 4,194,148 total acres have burned, 10,488 structures have been damaged or destroyed and there have been at least 31 fatalities (Centre for Disaster Philanthropy). Firefighting resources have been stretched to their limits by the scale of the fires, thousands have been displaced or become unemployed, and numerous wineries and hospitality venues have been directly impacted or even destroyed.
As well as fundraising for the Napa Valley community as a whole, the MMD Team’s efforts aim to show support for our colleagues in California, who make up our growing US Portfolio of producers: Roederer Estate, Domaine Anderson, Merry Edwards and Diamond Creek. The fires did not reach the Anderson Valley this year, however, the majority of staff members at Merry Edwards and Diamond Creek were evacuated from their homes during the fire storms and many were without power for three weeks once they were eventually safe to return home.
On the suggestion of our colleagues in California, we have chosen to fundraise for The Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund, which supports those affected by the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex Fires and the Glass Fire. As well as providing essential emergency services for its community during a disaster, the Fund also provides aid and support to those who are suffering long term economic hardship, homelessness, unemployment, and injury as a result of the fire storms. Click here to find out more about the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund.
The MMD Team will participate in the “MMD Ultra Marathon” from wherever they are situated in the UK, in an event that will bring colleagues together, many of whom have not seen each other for over 8 months as a result of COVID-19. We will be running or walking to collectively cover 70 miles in London, Wales, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Hampshire, West Sussex and Dorset. Photos of the Team’s efforts across the UK will be published on MMD’s social media channels following the event.
Richard Billett, Managing Director of Maisons Marques et Domaines, said: “We would like to think that this initiative and the proceeds it generates will contribute, even in a small way, to the efforts of The Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund as it reaches out to those affected by the wild fires which have ravaged Napa and the surrounding areas, putting many lives and businesses at risk. It is a gesture of support and solidarity for those involved in our industry in California and a cause to which we hope our customers, colleagues and friends in the UK will rally.”
To support the event, taking place on the 4th – 5th December, please click here and dedicate your donation to the MMD Ultra Marathon Fire Fund.
Contact Kate Lofthouse to find out more
Photo courtesy of the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund.