Harvest Ridge Winery raises funds for family of fallen officer Stephen Ballard

Harvest Ridge Winery in Marydel raised $7,500 for the Stephen Ballard Memorial Fund and presented the check to Ballard's wife, Louise, Sept. 18. The money was raised from proceeds of Blue Line White, a limited-release wine with a name that honors law enforcement officers.

In the spring, the winery posted details about the wine on its Facebook page and asked its Facebook followers to submit suggestions for the wine's name. Facebook fan Beth Rosebrooks suggested "Blue Line" to honor Delaware State Police Trooper Stephen Ballard, who had recently been killed in the line of duty. Harvest Ridge owner Chuck Nunan immediately agreed it was the perfect name. The winery announced the name and that a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold would go directly to the memorial fund supporting the Ballard family.

After hosting a release event and selling Blue Line White throughout the summer months, the final tally was in and the winery team was proud to present the $7,500 check to Louise Ballard. "We couldn't have done it without the support of the community. We are happy that people enjoy the wine, but even happier that they have purchased it to support such a good cause," said Nunan.

For more information, go to www.harvestridgewinery.com.