Vintner/philanthropist Dick Grace (pictured here with his wife, Anne, and the Dalai Lama) has turned the notion of a “Hidden Hero” on its head. Because in addition to all the good works he’s delivered through the Grace Foundation, he’s also spotlighting the actions of others.
Founded in St. Helena in the mid-1970s, Grace Family Vineyards is widely regarded as the first Napa Valley cult wine and, over the years, its reputation for quality has kept it in demand and at a premium. But rather than sitting on his laurels enjoying Wine Country luxury, Grace, a former marine and retired stockbroker, has chosen a life of meaningful action.
In 1999, following a conversation with the Dalai Lama, he began developing an idea that would, in 2001, become Unsung Heroes of Compassion, an event honoring individuals from around the world who are putting the healing power of compassion into action, particularly on behalf of children. The most recent event (it’s held about every four years), in February 2014, honored 51 individuals for work as varied as healing through art and music, bringing medical and dental services to communities in-need and helping native cultures preserve traditions while modernizing.
“I believe in the goodness of people,” he says. “Kindness, compassion and generosity are our true nature. I’ve seen it over and over again in my travels.
“It’s easy for us to get distracted by things: cars, money, status, even expensive wine,” he chuckles. “But if we devote our time and attention to basic goodness, the world would be a better place—and we’d all be happier.”
