Vineman, Inc. is a California Public-Benefit Non-Profit Corp. whose charitible purpose is to promote the Vineman Triathlons and other events/entities which encourage healthy living and tourism in California. Vineman is in the fortunate position to be able to make financial grants to charities which support the Vineman in its mission to encourage health, fitness and well-being. Since 2001 the Vineman has been committed to supporting cancer organizations in our community. Barb’s Race, an all women’s half-ironman distance triathlon, was established in 2001 as the major source of funding for the grants which Vineman makes to cancer related groups. Money is raised through entry fees for Barb's Race, contributions made by athletes participating in our other Vineman events and through athlete fundraising. Friends, families and supporters can also make donations directly to the Vineman specifically for the purpose of supporting these groups.

Barb's Race was started in honor of Barbara Recchia, a long-time Vineman volunteer and race committee member who has twice been faced with the daunting task of fighting cancer. She has taken this challenge head-on and is currently living a full and healthy life. If you need a little inspiration to prepare for finishing a half Ironman, all you have to do is look Barb's way. If Barb can beat cancer, then what's the big deal about finishing a half Ironman?!

Since the first Barb's Race in 2001 we have raised more than $516,000 which has been given as grants to local cancer organizations. Most of the money raised is a result of entry fees for Barb's Race, of which 50% is donated to this fund. Additional monies are raised through athlete fundraising as well as donations from friends and family members of this event and all of the other Vineman Triathlon events. Over the last eleven years, the Vineman Charity Grants have contributed to cancer research to fight breast cancer and for cancer support services. Some of the organizations we have donated to are the Sutter Breast Care Center and the Cancer Library and Health Resource Center here in Sonoma County, as well as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Commonweal and UCSF for research into women's cancers.

You can help us do more this year. We invite and encourage all Vineman and Barb’s Race participants to join us in raising funds or to make a donation. We appreciate all donations from supporters of our racers and events.