Petaluma, CA – The Callahan family, founders of Bellwether Farms, have responded to the firestorm that ravaged Sonoma and Napa counties by establishing $25,000 matching grant from the Bellwether Farms Foundation designated for relief and recovery efforts.
Bellwether Farms Foundation is matching $25,000 in donations for up to $50,000 that will go directly to organizations aiding local communities through food donations and other support. One organization receiving support is the Redwood Empire Food Bank, which is highly-ranked in Charity Navigator for its impact, governance and transparency. Bellwether Farms sponsored events taking place in November and December will also receive relief funds. Healdsburg Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning will receive $10,000 earmarked for the Rotary Club of Healdsburg to rebuild youth activities damaged by the fires. Additionally, Bellwether Farms is a Gold Sponsor of Girls On the Run Sonoma 5K Run on December 2, where sponsor funds will help waive outstanding registration fees for families impacted by the disaster.
Donations can be made through the Bellwether Farms website or directly here: http://www.bellwetherfarms.com/sonomastrong/.
“We are grateful to those who have already given to the Bellwether Farms Foundation and the fire relief efforts,” says owner Diana Callahan. “Recovery from the fires will take years. We’re a resilient community and we’re committed for the long term,” adds cheesemaker and owner Liam Callahan. “Establishing this matching grant allows our friends and business partners here and around the country to participate in recovery efforts."
The Bellwether Farms Foundation was established in 2016, marking the thirtieth year in business for Bellwether Farms. Pausing to reflect on the company’s history, the Callahan family determined to share their success by pledging one percent of sales to strengthen the food system by supporting organizations which provide hunger relief or food-related education to our communities.
About Bellwether Farms
A family business founded in 1986, Bellwether Farms established the first dairy sheep ranch west of the Mississippi. Artisan cheesemaking began in 1990 and continues today in the expanded creamery. Family matriarch Cindy Callahan tends to the flock while her son and his wife, Liam and Diana Callahan, are cheesemaker and business administrator, respectively. Bellwether Farms crafts a family of aged and fresh sheep and cow milk cheeses and yogurts using time-honored traditions and fresh whole milk sourced from their flock and family dairy farms nearby. Located on 35 acres in Sonoma County, Bellwether Farms is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices, ethical animal husbandry and crafting the highest quality dairy products possible. www.bellwetherfarms.com
Source: Bellwether Farms