(Wines&Vines) - At a press conference held today among badly damaged buildings in downtown Napa, the Napa Valley Vintners announced a donation of $10 million for community relief from the devastating earthquake that occurred Aug. 24.

 NVV is creating a fund to be administered by the Napa Valley Community Foundation to help meet the immediate needs of local residents and local businesses impacted by the earthquake.

“Hundreds of homes and businesses in the local community were damaged by this disaster,” said Russ Weis, chairman of the Napa Valley Vintners Board of Directors and general manager of Silverado Vineyards. “Residents and business owners in the heart of the city of Napa, south of the city, including American Canyon, and surrounding neighborhoods were especially impacted. The fund will provide resources and assistance to support the community as it rebuilds.”

 The vintners encourage other organizations and individuals to contribute to the fund, and U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, who lives in St. Helena, made the first donation. Thompson added, “I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of the Vintners. This is part of the reason I’m so honored to serve this district in Congress.”

He added that staff from the Federal Emergency Management Authority and the Office of Emergency Services are already assessing damage, and once they report, California Gov. Jerry Brown can request federal assistance.

City of Napa mayor Jill Techel stressed that communities recover fastest if they contribute and don’t depend on state and federal assistance. She hopes NVV’s donation will energize that support. The Vintners and Community Foundation will coordinate their efforts with other non-profit organizations and government entities to fulfill requests for support from Napa County residents and business owners.