If there’s one thing that inspires us to continue to combat sexual violence and child abuse in our community it is the inspiration that we get from those that touch our lives.  This might come in a variety of ways, such as a simple thank you, to “I took part in a self-defense presentation and became so empowered” to “I had your ChildSAFE program in school years ago and you taught me it was okay to tell someone” to “please accept this donation in someone’s honor.”   Recently we at the Center were privileged to meet and get to know a local businessman who has opened up his heart so that others can benefit.  This story is quite remarkable, and for all of us here, beyond inspiring. 

 Greg Brewer, owner of Brewer-Clifton Winery, came to us with a story to share because as he puts it, he wants to “think globally, but act locally.”  On November 2, 1995 a terrible tragedy occurred in Philadelphia.  A young woman named Kimberly was brutally attacked, raped and murdered while jogging before work.  Kim was a 26-year old paralegal whose infectious energy and joy of life was felt by all who had the good fortune to know her.  She is also Greg’s cousin.   He recalls that they had an interesting relationship growing up.  Only a year apart, Kim lived in Chicago and Greg grew up in Los Angeles.  While they didn’t get to see each other often, they became very close through writing to each other.  Experiencing life and adolescence at the same time, they were able to open up to each other in their letters, becoming good friends and confidantes and sharing a tender and loving relationship. 

 Greg grew up with an awareness of such things as assault and abuse since his mother worked as a District Attorney covering sexual assault cases in Ventura County, but the attack and murder of Kim was something much more personal.  As Greg says,  “It was almost like it happened to me . . . it reminded me of the vulnerability of life.”  Her death affected many others as well.  It was national news at the time, and Greg feels it affected people because Kim  “could have been anyone’s daughter.”  From this enormously tragic event, Greg knew that he wanted to redirect the energy in a positive way, and the idea of honoring and remembering Kim through his work began developing.

 In the late 1990’s, Greg and the Melville family planted a vineyard block in Kimberly’s name and honor on the Melville Estate.  The site is a pair of two steep hills oriented towards the ocean, which was her love, and is in the shape of butterfly wings.  On top of the block stands a white cross in Kim’s memory,  

which was built by the vineyard crew.  Thus the Kimberly Vineyard was born.  In 2001 the first bottles of wine were produced and cellared for three years prior to release, and in 2005—the ten year anniversary of Kim’s death—the wine was distributed.  Future releases of Kimberly Wine will be coming out each fall.

It was at this point that Greg came to the Center and told us he would be donating all of the money raised from the sales of Kimberly Wine to the Center, and presented a check for $6,000.  All of the wine had been sold to select restaurants throughout the nation.  Greg had informed them about the origins of this special wine, and the Center received a donation of $800 from Polaner Selections in Mount Kisco, New York, who wrote us that they were moved to make the donation in Kimberly’s name.  Greg also received cards and notes from all over the country from buyers who had been affected by the story of Kimberly Wine.  Greg has in turn been moved by their support, and especially acknowledged the support of the Melville family, the Sirugue family, and his business partner Steve Clifton, who has been on board with his plan every step of the way, even though he had never known Kimberly.

Greg and Kimberly’s families have also had strong emotions throughout the creation of the Kimberly Vineyard and its wine.  His aunt thinks it’s very special and was moved by the gesture.  Greg’s mother was extremely close to Kimberly, and the vineyard creation has affected her on a lot of levels as well.  Just as important to Greg is that so many people outside of his family have now been touched by Kimberly’s life and death, and she has been instrumental in spreading awareness about the issue of sexual assault.  Greg states that “by sharing this story with the Melville family and other professional colleagues, it has kind of created our own ‘awareness’ family rather than just keeping it within the home.”  He spoke of what a good feeling it is for him to be able to share the proceeds of the Kimberly Wine with the Center.  “This whole process has been neat for me because I always knew that the money would end up here.”  He also feels it can be a good reminder to others to step back, look around, and think about making the world a better place.

We at the Center are very thankful to Greg for doing just that.  From the love for his cousin, seeds of life have been planted so that others may benefit.  Her spirit is lifted up on the wings of butterflies every time someone uncorks the fruits of the labor of Clifton-Brewer Winery, and Kimberly lives on through the work of the Center and the love of her cousin. 

For more information visit www.brewerclifton.com