Show Your Appreciation For Those Who Keep Our Community Safe & Beautiful

THE DEADLINE TO DONATE TO THE HOLIDAY FUND FOR 2026 IS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2026. 

But don't worry if you miss the deadline! Donations will still be accepted after the deadline and will be held and distributed the next year.

In the past, organizers of the fund have not suggested any specific dollar amount.  In 2025, donations fell into a range between $200 and $2500. We hope all of our donors are mindful of rising costs.  If you are able to increase your donation from previous years, it would be greatly appreciated.  

 100% of your donation will go directly to the employees. While the fund incurs some expenses for mailing, website maintenance, electronic payment fees etc., those expenses are paid through separate funds, including donors who designate a portion of their gift for these purposes.  

With backgrounds in Communications and Marketing, fund administrators Steve and Ericka Irvin have taken on the task of design and management of the website.  They have covered all the costs, using personal funds.  

The fund operates independently from The Cliffs or KVCA. Both organizations support the effort with resources, information and advice.

Beginning in 2026, the fund will be managed by Steve and Ericka Irvin, full-time Vineyards residents since 2022. The fund was founded by Paul Ostuni and Carol Frese, who began collecting donations in 2005, and managed the annual fundraising drive for 20 years. Mr Ostuni and Mrs Frese decided to step down in 2026, but they continue to provide advice and support. The fund is also supported by a committee of five full-time Vineyards residents, including current and former members of the KVCA governing board.  

It is always appreciated when gratuities are given for excellent service. This fund serves to give a special holiday gift to all employees, including a number of people whom you might never meet, such as the kitchen staff and those who maintain the landscape and golf courses. In 2025 the KV Holiday Fund gave gifts to over 150 full-time and part-time workers.

Additionally, many behind-the-scenes staff who aren't widely known but work to enhance our community's beauty and maintain property values are also recognized with this fund.

Actual dollar amounts are determined by the final donation total. Employees receive varying awards based on full or part-time status, and length of service. In 2025, holiday gifts ranged from $100 -$1000.  

**The funds allocated to the employees are essential for supporting their families during the holiday season, and providing much-needed assistance during the two-week club closure in January. As working hours are limited and the tip pool is not accessible, these funds ensure our employees can maintain their well-being and financial stability during this time.

All donations and dollar amounts are kept private, and that information is only known to the two people directly overseeing the funds. The chairs and committee are exploring ways to recognize the most generous donors in the future, which could involve publishing those individuals’ names with their consent.  

You’re not alone! We know many people are busy around the holidays, and may miss the deadline. We strongly urge you to make a donation before the deadline so your gift can be distributed this year. However, donations received after the deadline are held in the KV Holiday Fund bank account to be distributed the following year. 

Absolutely! Every donation is appreciated and benefits the staff and their families. 

Staff, including the Vineyards roads and maintenance crews, keep all areas around properties—whether developed or undeveloped—well-maintained to help preserve property values for each homeowner within the community.

The KV Holiday Fund is a small, volunteer-led initiative. It is not a registered non-profit and does not have tax-exempt status, so donations are not tax deductible. We rely on the generosity of The Cliffs residents to recognize and thank every staff member at The Vineyards.

Unfortunately, donations cannot be restricted to a specific function, as all donations are pooled together and distributed fairly based on the length of service.

Even if you don’t play golf, you benefit from the golf course.  Golf makes our community a desirable place to live.  It provides green space, and stunning scenery for outdoor dining and other events.  The course greatly enhances property values for all homeowners.  The maintenance staff also cares for other club-owned landscaping, beautifying the community at large.  

Managers have always been eligible for gifts from the fund. However, changes are being considered to increase support for lower paid employees in the coming years. Other eligible recipients include rank and file employees of The Cliffs and certain contract employees, such as security staff.