Local Winery Raises Over $15,000 For Local Charities

In February 2015 the employees of Lynfred Winery created a charity of the month program, that in its 11-month infancy, raised $15,691 for local charities!

Lynfred Winery is a non-tipping facility, however so many winery patrons were leaving tips that employees were using the tips for monthly pizza parties, often with cash left over. After some discussion, the employees went to their general manager and asked if they donated their tips to a charity, would he still be willing to buy them pizza. "I thought it was such a kind gesture of the winery staff that there was no way I was going to say no," said Andres Basso, General Manager and Director of Winemaking at Roselle-based Lynfred Winery. By April Lynfred's sister store in Wheeling joined in on the fun and began donating their tips, as well.

Lynfred Winery, as a company, strongly believes in local philanthropy and proudly donates experience certificates to any local fundraiser or charity, but it's the employee charity of the month program that has brought true enthusiasm and pride to the winery staff. Some of the favorite charities of 2015 for the staff were animal related, including CARF (Critical Animal Relief Foundation) based out of Chicago and PAWWS (Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors), as well as children related charities such as Camp I Am Me for burn victims, Child's Voice and Variety Children's Charity.

The 2016 charity of the month program at Lynfred Winery is kicking off with donations to DuPage PADS, a charity helping homeless, with some winery employees even cooking for their shelters. "I am incredibly proud of our staff for their generosity and I can't wait to see what they do this year," says Basso.

Lynfred's 2016 Charity of the Month Calendar: http://tinyurl.com/lynfred2016charities

Lynfred's 2015 Charity of the Month Calendar: http://tinyurl.com/lynfred2015charities

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Lynfred Winery is the oldest and largest, continuously-operating, family winery in Illinois, producing over 70 varietals and 30,000 cases of fine wine per year. Since 1979 Lynfred Winery has offered guests the finest vintages, gourmet cuisine and luxurious lodging. Lynfred is truly one of Chicago's most unique attractions. 15 South Roselle Road, Roselle, IL 60172

Lynfred Winery has tasting rooms located in Wheeling (971 N. Milwaukee), Wheaton (127 W. Front Street) and Naperville (21 W. Jefferson).