The Dash, between the dates on our tombstone is a simple mark carved in stone that represents our lives and what we did with them. Have you ever stopped to consider this thought? Are you making your Dash count?

In December 2002 the idea was born to create a non-profit foundation called Make The Dash Count and to lauch a unique wine project to support it. "The Dash Project" is an exciting partnership between Heaven’s Cave Cellars and some of the most highly regarded vineyards and vintners in Washington State. "The Dash Wine Project" will utilize the talents of experienced winemakers from across Washington state to create world class wines that will showcase not only their commitment to wine making excellence, but also their dedication to philanthropy and giving back to their communities. Using hand selected grapes from prestigious vineyard blocks these winemakers will produce small lots of wine showcasing the particular style that they are known for. The wines will be marketed and distributed by Heaven's Cave Cellars under the "Make the Dash Count" label.

Founder, Hope Moore wanted to take the two things she was most passionate about and blend them together to make a difference, a way to make her own Dash count.

One hundred percent of the profit from the sale of wines from "The Dash Project" will be donated to the Make The Dash Count Foundation. The foundation is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization committed to using its resources to impact the lives of children at risk in our communities. We intend also to use the Foundation as a vehicle to inspire the next generation of philanthropists. Funding from the Foundation will be allocated annually by the decisions made by its Youth Board of Directors (ages 14 - 18). Their focus will be to grant money to organizations that immediately impact youth at risk. This council of young people will be given the opportunity to personally experience both the joy of giving back to their communities and the responsibility of making those crucial funding decisions. Our hope is to create an "army of youth philanthropists" while helping those in need.

There already exits a "fraternity of wine philanthropists" in Washington State. Many of our wineries already contribute a portion of their proceeds to charitable causes. Our Auction of Washington Wines, one of the largest wine auctions in the country, continually demonstrates the industry's commitment to giving back. Winemakers from across our region from Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley and Horse Heaven Hills are also demonstrating their tremendous support of "The Dash" project. Chuck Reininger, wine maker at Reininger Winery was the first to offer his support by producing the Inaugural release of the "Make The Dash Count" label, a rich 2002 Merlot from Columbia Valley. Futures releases of our label are already being produced by other Washington State winemakers who are coming together to make their Dash count. Formal recognition of their efforts will be given at the time of the release of their wine.

For more information on our Foundation and Heaven's Cave Cellars please browse thru our website or contact us at info@makethedashcount.com