Dennis Murphy is the CEO of Hayden Homes, a company he built with his best friend Hayden Watson. From his early days in business, Dennis demonstrated a sense of generosity from the beginning, contributing 10% of profits to charity, resulting in $32 million to charitable causes through 2020. The American Cancer Society is one of the organizations that has benefited from their generosity.

 

In 2005, Dennis built a small winery nestled in Walla Walla’s southside – Caprio Cellars. The business began when Dennis planted the first vineyard, Eleanor, which he named after his grandmother, Eleanor Caprio.

 

Since its first release in 2010, Caprio Cellars has made a name for itself producing award-winning, 100 percent estate grown releases. Today, the winery has expanded to three vineyards with a winemaking style focused on Bordeaux varietal blends and delivers one of the best tasting experiences in the Walla Walla valley.

 

Dennis has made generosity and giving to his community not just the cornerstone of his life, but by making focused giving an integral and intentional part of the business model of Hayden Homes and Caprio Cellars. He accomplishes this through programs such as “Give as you Go” and “Every Sip Changes Lives”.   This has allowed him to support a range of community and non-profit organizations in Walla Walla, including the Blue Mountain Action Council, First Story, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and the American Cancer Society. This is what earned him this year’s Soiree Honorary Chair recognition.

 

“Caprio Cellars and Hayden Homes can’t save the world” Dennis will say, “but by formalizing our giving, we show up with our hearts and minds to make a difference”. 

 

We at the American Cancer Society are grateful to be recipients of Dennis’ generosity as we serve over 1,500 cancer patients and survivors in our valley and invest in breakthrough research to improve the lives of future cancer patients.