About Us

In 1993,  Mark Wisnovsky and Chris Borovansky developed a plan to raise
funds to support the Dunn House. a local domestic violence shelter while highlighting the burgeoning wine industry of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

Fueled by passion for the region and their love of wine, the two friends hoped to incorporate an auction featuring wine, travel, food and art…and the Hearts & Vines Auction was born. With ready support and a wealth of community volunteers, the concept became reality with key leaders Sharlene Peters and Karen Long, 50 additional volunteers and 13 active Committees.  Subsequently, the Hearts & Vines Board was formed in 1995.

The Mission: “Fund local community-based youth and family programs with a focus on the elimination of domestic violence through education, prevention and intervention.”

Within four years of the initial concept, the Hearts & Vines Foundation became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Over the years, Hearts and Vines Foundation has disbursed nearly 3 million dollars as grants to the many dedicated organizations actively working to serve, educate and help prevent domestic violence in our region.

Perhaps Mark Wisnovsky and Chris Borovansky could not have predicted the future impact of their shared dream so many years ago, however, their personal dedication to the emotional and physical health of countless Rogue Valley families and the Southern Oregon Wine industry lives on in the Hearts & Vines Foundation.