Sip for Service, please!

I'm all about doing good and empowering other self-philanthropists to make big changes in their communities, so when I heard about Markham Vineyards "Sips of Service" sweepstakes, which rewards those that promote positive changes in their communities, I had to share with you guys!

Now for the past few years, Markham has implemented their own Mark of Distinction, which awards two $25,000 grants to community-based initiatives. For example, last year’s Mark of Distinction grants were awarded to a crime-prevention alert system in Erie, PA and a business district affected by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA. Love it!

This year, Markham is extending its program and celebrating individuals, like us, who believe that even small changes can make a huge impact (I mean, don't they)? They are awarding do-gooders with weekly $200 gift cards. Submissions will be accepted on Markham Vineyard’s Facebook page, and one weekly winner will be chosen now through October 2nd. Go on, do something good... and drink something good in the process!

PS - A little birdie also told me that to further honor grant recipients, Markham will be producing two single-vineyard, limited production Estate Cabernet Sauvignon wines appropriately named "The Philanthropist" and "The Altruist." The 2009 vintage wines will be released in Fall/Winter 2012 and will detail the 2011 recipients’ causes on the wine labels. Markham Vineyards will donate an additional $1 from each bottle sold to the respective initiatives (up to $3,600 for each of the two grant recipients). Hoozah!