In 1995, after reading a story about our emerging Foundation in The Napa Valley Register, Preston Greene became the first donor to open a fund at NVCF.
When Preston first encountered the idea of a community foundation, it was entirely new to him. “In Virginia, I’d never heard of a community foundation,” he shares. “There was an article about it, and I said, ‘Oh, what a wonderful idea. I love it.’” Preston decided to reach out, and after a fruitful conversation with Nicky Suard – one of our founding board members – he made his first contribution. “I said, ‘I’ll give you some money, and then you nice people decide what to do with it, to demonstrate your utility to the community.’”
His decision to donate to the Foundation came from a genuine desire to see NVCF thrive. “I got the impression it was new and had expenses without income. I decided to donate enough money to keep it going until others started putting into it,” he recalls.
Over the years, Preston has become a passionate advocate for animals, children, and providing opportunities for the Latino community in Napa. His donor advised fund, aptly named the Opportunity Fund, reflects his vision of creating chances for growth and development, and his commitment to taking chances on funding initiatives he believes have value.
When asked what he appreciates most about his involvement with NVCF, Preston’s answer was simple and heartfelt: “Terence,” referring to NVCF’s President Terence Mulligan. “He was the face of the Community Foundation. Preston also enjoys the flexibility we offer “the way the Community Foundation works, you can make a charitable contribution to your fund when you have the money or need the tax break, and then wait for opportunities. I think that’s absolutely great.”
Preston moved to San Francisco in 1988 after selling his family’s auto parts business in Virginia. “I hadn’t reckoned on my country ways with life in the big city, and almost got run over on Van Ness Avenue because I wasn’t paying attention to the lights,” he shares. “After about a year of dodging traffic in San Francisco—and parking—I thought, ‘Why don’t we look for a little place we can have as a weekend house?’
Preston and his partner bought a home in Napa in 1989 and fell in love. “We liked it so much we quit going to the city.” Napa’s agricultural roots reminded him of the South of France and Italy, where he once considered relocating. “The quality of the light and just the feeling of the place… it reminded me of Europe, but I didn’t want to grow old in a foreign country,” he explained. The Valley became home.
Despite losing his home in the 2017 fire, Preston’s resilience is a defining trait. He always knew he would rebuild. “There were some like us who said, I like the property. I want to rebuild now, maybe I’ll get a house exactly like I wanted,” he reflects. Today, his newly rebuilt home is filled with art, and has a view he can really appreciate. “I knew that the view was here, but with the way that house was arranged, you couldn’t see it,” he shares. “We’d tell people, ‘Look out, then lean over, look that way, and you can just see it.”
Preston Greene’s journey to Napa, and his role as NVCF’s first donor, is a testament to his deep commitment to the community. His thoughtful giving, guided by a vision of creating opportunities for others, continues to shape the Valley he loves. Today, as he looks out from his rebuilt home, it’s clear that his connection to Napa—and his impact through the Foundation—runs deeper than ever. “I helped push it along,” he reflects. And Napa is stronger because of it. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re grateful to have people like Preston in our corner.