Excellence in community leadership

With the pending ownership change of Sonoma and Glen Ellen Markets, I feel compelled to share some thoughts on Dale and Don, and how their business model stands out in a town full of philanthropy.

With their well thought out exit strategy from a business they have nurtured and grown, I felt both happiness for them and their success and a twinge of sadness because of who they are and how they have supported so many in the community. Dale told me often that they built community support into their business because it was the only way that made sense to them. Their humble, quiet, unassuming approach to philanthropy over the years has set the standard for an understanding of the reciprocal nature of doing business in the Valley.

In my role at the Hospital Foundation now, and the Boys & Girls Club previously, I have witnessed firsthand their ongoing generosity, and most importantly the impact that it has had on the ability for the organizations to be successful in their missions. And nearly every nonprofit in town has been the beneficiary of Dale and Don’s continuous support of the community they live in, work in, and love.

So, thank you both for your example; for taking your business successes and translating that into the betterment for so many people in the Valley. Sonoma’s character and strength of community pride and caring is unique. Don and Dale have been pivotal in this, and helped pioneer a business model that always kept the community in the forefront, and they will be missed.

Dave Pier

Executive Director, Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation