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Behind the Name
Cancer Center Donors Share Their Blessings
Dennis O’Neil and Stephen Martin, owners of
Checkerboard Vineyards, donated $3 million to help make St. Helena Hospital’s cancer center a reality.
Checkerboard Vineyards, donated $3 million to help make St. Helena Hospital’s cancer center a reality.
“Being diagnosed with cancer and going through treatment is traumatic enough as it is,” adds Dennis. “It’s such a negative experience to be ill and have to drive a great distance for treatment. We like the fact that so many aspects of the St. Helena Hospital cancer center are focused on making a great patient experience close to home.”
Giving was an easy decision. “Our friends Ernie and Virginia Van Asperen are passionate supporters of the hospital and have periodically told us what a wonderful place it is,” says Stephen. “When they told us about the hospital’s plans for the cancer center, it was around the time my sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. When Virginia broached the idea of making a contribution, we immediately said ‘Sure.’ We probably surprised her,” he laughs. “It was definitely not a hard sell.”
“It was a visceral response,” recalls Dennis. “We felt this was something we should do.” Over the years, Stephen, Dennis and their families have supported a number of organizations and causes including women’s shelters, educational programs and animal care. “We like to quietly make a difference where we can,” says Stephen. “There’s nothing more satisfying than making contributions that have a large impact.
While some might welcome the visibility and prestige of having their name associated with a cancer center, it isn’t easy for these two reserved gentlemen. “It’s not at all about having our names on the wall,” says Dennis. “We think about how it will feel when we walk in and see patients being cared for. That’s the pay-off.”
Winemaking is their passion. Almost 10 years ago Stephen and Dennis acquired and began expanding Checkerboard Vineyards, growing Bordeaux varietal grapes on Diamond Mountain 600 feet to 1,800 feet above the Napa Valley floor and producing estate wines. “It’s not a business,” they affirm, “it’s our passion.” Both agree that while it’s hard work, it is also magical—and fun, noting that their goal is to make the best wine possible. “It’s not a job, it’s a joy,” says Dennis, adding that one of their big pleasures is working outdoors and walking through the vineyards every day.
Stephen and Dennis are each successful businessmen, now “retired,” if you consider rising with the sun and working long physically demanding days retirement. Dennis is a former banker and commercial real estate developer, while Stephen acquired and restored vintage homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. These endeavors required a passion for detail and perfection that each has employed at Checkerboard Vineyards. Among other things, Dennis has managed the construction of an expansive wine cave, and Stephen, who has studied architecture, designed the winery building that sits nearby.
When asked if they would do it all over again, they respond in unison, “Absolutely!” “Our goal was to find a beautiful retreat where we could enjoy quiet forests, fresh air and starry nights while producing small quantities of very good wine,” recalls Dennis. “We’re living our dream.”
Speaking with them, it is clear these two men deeply appreciate the blessings afforded by their endeavors in this special place on the mountainside. “We can actually see the hospital from one of our vineyard ridge tops,” smiles Stephen. “That’s another blessing.” ”
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