Murphy-Goode Selects Robert Phillips As 'Hero of the Month'

HEALDSBURG, Calif., Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Murphy-Goode Winery has selected Capt. Robert Phillips of Langley, Va., as its "A Few Goode Heroes" contest winner for the month of January. As Hero of the Month, Phillips will receive a $1,000 donation in his name to the Fisher House Foundation, the charity of his choice. In addition, Murphy-Goode will give a matching grant to its non-profit partner, Operation Homefront, the national organization that provides emergency financial assistance to military families. Phillips is now also eligible for the grand prize of a Fourth of July barbecue in his hometown, hosted by Murphy-Goode.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130204/SF53730LOGO)

"We're inspired by Robert's story," said Dave Ready, Jr., winemaker for Healdsburg-based Murphy-Goode. "He's served in the United States Air Force for 23 years, protecting his country while also raising a family of eight children who adore him. He's an example of selflessness, leadership and commitment, and we salute that."

Phillips was nominated by his wife, Trina, who described him as "someone who always puts others first." He returned from deployment in Afghanistan last September, and recently transferred to Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia from the 49^th Operations Support Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.

Surprised that he was chosen as Hero of the Month, Phillips said simply: "I feel honored."

Murphy-Goode's "A Few Goode Heroes" contest will continue through May. To participate, visit the Murphy-Goode Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MurphyGoodeWinery to nominate the person you feel best exemplifies altruism, leadership, self-sacrifice or positive influence. Each month, Murphy-Goode will choose a winner to receive a $1,000 donation to his or her favorite non-profit and make a matching gift to Operation Homefront. Monthly winners are then eligible to receive the grand prize of a Fourth of July barbecue.

Murphy-Goode has long sought to recognize heroes. Since Fall 2011, the winery has partnered with Operation Homefront to support military families in need. Murphy-Goode has donated more than $100,000 to the cause on behalf of the winery and its fans.

To learn more, visit www.murphygoodewinery.com  or www.facebook.com/MurphyGoodeWinery. Must be 21 or older to participate.

ABOUT MURPHY GOODE WINERY
Located in Sonoma County, Murphy-Goode is a family-owned winery known for award-winning California wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Founded by Tim Murphy, Dale Goode and David Ready, Sr. in 1985 and now part of Jackson Family Wines, Murphy-Goode believes in great wines and good times with family and friends. The winery is proud to support Operation Homefront and its work with wounded warriors and the families of service members.

ABOUT OPERATION HOMEFRONT
A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers with nationwide presence who provide emergency and other financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Operation Homefront has met more than 741,000 needs of military families since its inception in 2002.  A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes directly to programs that provide support to our military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.net.

ABOUT FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION
Fisher House Foundation provides a network of comfortable homes on major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe, allowing military families fee-free housing near a loved one who is being hospitalized for a combat injury, illness or disease. Since 1990, Fisher House has saved military, veterans and their families an estimated $200 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation. In addition, the foundation operates the "Hero Miles" program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members, and the "Hotels for Heroes" program, using donated hotel points so family members can stay at hotels near hospitals where a Fisher House is not available.  To learn more, visit www.fisherhouse.org.

Contact: Michaela Baltasar, +1-707-525-6238, [email protected]

SOURCE Murphy-Goode Winery