Hi Everyone,

A big extended thanks for everyone who attended the 20th annual JELD-WEN Tradition this past week. Despite record degree high temperatures in Bend and Sunriver, a good time was had by all on the green as well as at the many Olsen sponsored events.

Jamie Olsen and Fuzzy Zoeller at the Olsen Family Vineyards BBQ

We talk a lot about the golfing side of the event and the dinners, tastings and parties here on the Viridian Wine Blog. Yet the biggest and most rewarding part of participating in JELD-WEN, and why Olsen loves this annual event so much, is because of the kids.

Remember, the JELD-WEN tradition is an annual charity golfing event and supports innovative educational programs for K-12 school aged population based on partnerships and a vision for improving education in Oregon by engaging students in learning. The JELD-WEN Tradition Foundation funds tax-exempt organizations, including K – 12 schools, both private and public, institutions of higher education and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that offer educational activities and programs.

Types of Projects Funded
The Foundation supports projects that will advance K to 12 education/learning through innovative delivery mechanisms and partnership arrangements. Outreach efforts that help prepare kids for formal education and that involve partnerships are eligible projects.

In 2007 for example, the event raised $500,000 though the JELD-WEN Tradition Foundation to serve 18 different education organizations. From the JELD-WEN Tradition website:

….Of this amount, four organizations in Central Oregon received Foundation gifts totaling $120,000. In its four-year history, the JELD-WEN Tradition has raised more than $1.4 million in charitable donations.

Past recipients have included, but are not limited to the following:

• Boys and Girls Club of Central Oregon
• Boys and Girls Club of Portland
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon
• Fundacion Gato Romero
• Lakeland Christian School
• New Horizon
• Redmond School District
• ROTC
• The First Tee
• The Shepard’s Way

Education of Oregon citizens is an important issue and the JELD-WEN Tradition is a worthy cause that gets results. Thanks for all your support, and we’ll see you next year!

Jamie Olsen and the Rest of the Olsen Family Vineyards Team