Holiday Dreams 2007 Honoree John Shafer

We are pleased to announce John Shafer will be honored as the 2007 recipient of the “Making a Difference Award”. This award was established in 2005 to recognize an individual’s outstanding leadership and achievements in improving the health and welfare of families in Napa County.

“We look forward to honoring John for his decades-long commitment to the well-being of our community. He continues to dedicate his time and resources to provide quality care for those who could not otherwise afford it. This is an admirable goal and one that John has accomplished through his visionary planning and persistent leadership,” says Cindy Goodale, Executive Director of Healthy Moms and Babies.

Dr. Robert Moore, Medical Director of Clinic Ole and Healthy Moms and Babies, will present the “Making A Difference Award” after a sparkling wine reception in John Shafer’s honor.

John Shafer has an established history of working to support nonprofit organizations throughout the Valley. As a 20-year board member of Clinic Ole, he has helped raise funds and awareness for the health care agency which today offers no-cost or low cost services in St. Helena and Napa. It was Shafer’s vision to create the Napa Vintners Community Health Center on Pear Tree Lane to give nonprofit agencies a home where guaranteed low rents would mean a greater percentage of their budgets dedicated to providing services. The Community Health Center opened in 2001 and now houses Clinic Ole, Sister Anne’s Dental Clinic, Healthy Mom and Babies, and the administrative offices of Napa Emergency Women’s Services. These non-profit agencies work collaboratively to serve thousands of individuals living and working in Napa County. “John Shafer's commitment to underserved people of the Napa Valley was borne out, not only by his determination to see the Vintners Health facility through to completion, but also his by his front-line service to the Napa Emergency Women's Services, which he helped as a board member and fund-raiser. He continues to set a positive example for others throughout the valley, and this legacy should be remembered for generations,” states Doug Ernst, Executive Director of Napa Emergency Women’s Services.