Rich and Saralee Kunde, the undisputed first couple of Sonoma County agriculture and staunch supporters of farm youth programs, are the first recipients of the 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County’s Shining Star Award for their dedication and support of the county’s 4-H program.
The award was presented at the 4-H Foundation’s “Harvest at the 4-H Corral” barbecue and auction held on Sept. 19 at the Kundes’ Richard’s Grove and Saralee’s Vineyard on Slusser Road in Windsor. Each year the Kundes offer their spectacular vineyard estate as the venue for the 4-H Foundation’s fund-raising event. There were more than 600 people at this year’s barbecue and auction. Proceeds from the event are used for a number of purposes including 4-H scholarships, grants, leadership training and to maintain the 4-H Center in Rohnert Park. The 4-H Center, owned and managed by the 4-H Foundation, is the only 4-H Center of its kind in California.
The Kundes received a large magnolia tree to plant on their vineyard estate. The tree was accompanied by a plaque that said, “Richard and Saralee Kunde – Thank you for your generosity in helping our 4-H youth to blossom.”
The Shining Star Award was established by the 4-H Foundation to recognize individuals or businesses that have made extraordinary contributions to 4-H. In addition to providing Richard’s Grove and Saralee’s Vineyard as the site of the annual barbecue, Rich and Saralee have supported the 4-H program in countless ways over the last 30 years. They were leading donors to the building fund for the 4-H Center in Rohnert Park with Saralee serving as co-chairman of the $300,000 capital campaign for the 4-H Center. The campaign was called, “Complete the Dream” and in 11 months Saralee helped raise $300,000 for the 4-H Center, which was completed in August 1994.
“Around Sonoma County, Saralee is known as the Unsinkable Saralee because nothing phases her and everything seems possible,” said Tim Tesconi, a director of the 4-H Foundation who made the presentation.
“In addition to providing their ranch and resources, Rich and Saralee bring an unfettered spirit, energy and respect to anything they do or any cause they support,” added Tesconi.
Saralee and Richard Kunde grow grapes on more than 300 acres in the Windsor area, selling their premium wine grapes to more than a dozen wineries. Saralee serves in many leadership capacities including holding posts as a director of the Sonoma County Fair, 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County and the Russian River Valley Winegrowers. She is the dairy leader for the Green Valley 4-H Club.
Rich Kunde, member of a pioneering Sonoma County ranching family, is recognized as one of the pivotal figures in shaping and preserving Sonoma County agriculture over the last half century. A man of the land, Rich has spent his life cultivating the soil and nurturing the rural lifestyle that makes Sonoma County such a special place.
The Kundes have two children, Matt and Catie. Matt was a 4-H member for many years. Catie is a member of the Green Valley 4-H Club and the Forestville FFA.
