The Bar 49 Foundation had been formed in tribute to the Bar 49 Summer Camp in Chiles Valley near St. Helena, California.  

The Bar 49 Foundation and the Valley Rock Foundation’s mission has been dedicated to “providing financial, recreational, educational, and other forms of assistance to individuals in need, including those who are physically, emotionally, and economically disadvantaged.”  Throughout its work, the Foundation placed particular emphasis on the emotional and spiritual well-being of youth and young people, supporting youth agriculture programs, educational initiatives and scholarships, homeless services and substance-use recovery programs, and healthcare initiatives. These healthcare efforts included support for nursing education, workforce development, and access to health services for farm workers and underserved communities.  The Foundation has always been dedicated to the history of California and supported initiatives that preserved history along with promoting the future of individuals with a variety of needs.  

In fulfillment of Founder Ed Keith’s directive that the Foundation complete its work and close by 2030, the Valley Rock Foundation has donated all of its remaining resources and is voluntarily concluding its operations. 

A Legacy of Impact and Integrity

The Valley Rock Foundation is proud of its record of service and the lasting impact it has made across Napa Valley, throughout California, and into Latin American where it has had an impact on children, poverty and hunger. Its work has supported youth education, agricultural programs, scholarships, healthcare initiatives, nursing education, workforce development, historical churches, schools, and many other services for emotionally, spiritually, physically and economically disadvantaged individuals.