May, 2008

They say don't mix politics with business, but I say not so fast. How about mixing pleasure with giving and thereby doing something really cool. We'll make you an offer that will be easy on your wallet and warm your heart at the same time.

We have set aside a few cases of wine and on a first come, first serve basis will make a donation of $93.00, or the equivalent of one bottle of Bialla Cabernet for every purchase of three bottles (only three bottle orders accepted). I'll personally send in the donation on your behalf and you'll receive a tax deductible receipt directly from SemperFiFund.org. Now how can you say no to that?

What we are asking of you is to consider helping our wounded veterans and their respective families.

Myself -- a wounded Viet Nam veteran -- along with my support team are embarking on competing in the world's toughest foot race. We have been accepted to compete in Badwater, a 135 mile long run which takes place on July 14th, 2008, in Death Valley, CA. Temperatures can reach 125 in the shade. See http://www.badwater.com.

Our team will consist of myself, Vito Bialla, age 59, veteran ultra distance athlete along with Agnes Pak, Chelsea Bialla and William "Spanky" Gibson as support crew. Spanky lost his leg by sniper fire in Iraq and was a beneficiary of the generosity of SemperFiFund.org. Spanky is currently back in Iraq on his third tour as a volunteer and you can see his story on a http://hotair.com/archives/2008/04/10/video-marine-loses-leg-in-iraq-returns-to-duty/ . He is a true American hero, also recently mentioned by George W. Bush in his address to the nation on the 5 years anniversary of our liberation of Iraq.

The Semper Fi Fund has provided over 7500 grants totaling over $17 million to almost 2000 wounded vets. Overhead costs since inception are at 5.56%, among the lowest of all nonprofits nationwide. This Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund provides financial assistance to Marines and sailors injured in combat, their families to help defray expenses during hospitalization, rehab and recovery, and other expenses associated with purchase of specialized handicapped equipment. 100% of our funds raised go directly to the non profit and donations should be made directly by you to them. Our expenses for the race are our own and we will cover. Vans, equipment, travel, and such -- as well as flying Spanky over from Iraq or where ever else -- is our small donation to this cause.

We are also soliciting funds in a much broader way but this wine offering is strictly for you. If you care to make a larger direct donation don't be bashful, just go directly to the fund. If your donation is recorded before July 1st we will carry your name printed on my running jersey as well as our van. (I'm ordering an extra large jersey.) If you are donating and joining our cause please let me know by responding to this email. I don't need to know the amount simply that you joined our cause.

Please make your additional donation directly at http://www.semperfifund.org -- mention Badwater or "Team Spanky". Also feel free to pass this email on to any person who might join us.

It is an honor to do this for the Vets and your help will only make our spirits rise in the dark hours of this grueling race. So everybody says the same thing in the wine business, "We make no ordinary wine". We say this isn't an ordinary Vintner here nor is it an ordinary crew.

To place your order go to www.Biallavineyards.com/store/ Thank you for your time and consideration.

Vito, Spanky, Chelsea and Agnes aka "Team Spanky"
"Semper Fidelus" is a Marine Core Mantra which means Always Faithful.

Update

July 16th, 2008 Vito Bialla and team Spanky crossed the finish line after completing the 135 mile run in a new record. The finishing time was 41:48, we received 38th place out of 80 and raised in total over $50,000.00 for Semper Fi Fund.org