Dick Grace

Dick Grace spent over thirty-five years cultivating his professional and financial success, first as a United States Marine Corps Officer, and then as a Senior Vice President for Smith Barney. According to Dick however, the real story of his true success began when he turned his focus outward and embarked on the path of compassionate action. In the late 1970’s, Dick and his wife Ann started a small winery in the Napa Valley of California and their Cabernet Sauvignons became a legend, bringing at charity auctions more money than any other wine made in America. Now, Grace Family Vineyards raises well over a million dollars annually for various charitable causes. Dick is emphatic about his belief that donating money is only a small part of his charitable equation. As he explains, “the other part includes personal involvement and personal commitment to raising others’ awareness and being generous not only with one’s capital but also with one’s vision, time, energy, and most importantly, one’s love.” He has volunteered at Mother Theresa’s hospice in Kathmandu and in Calcutta, at homes for disabled persons, at children’s camps, and for a variety of other organizations alleviating the suffering of children and adults who are physically, emotionally, or financially disenfranchised. He also supports a number of Buddhist causes including Tibetan refugees in Kathmandu, Nepal and Dharmsala, India, and the monks at Shechen Monastery. His personal values and commitments have shaped not only his own life, but also the lives of countless other people worldwide.