Our Story

Our Story

We believe that all human beings are connected — what happens to one of us affects all of us. When others thrive and prosper, we all benefit.

We are James Lee and Linda Norris, and this belief has guided our lives. We chose to focus our efforts on helping others, knowing that this path would be far more meaningful than simply pursuing wealth.

A Lifetime of Service

Our journey began in 1975 while in medical school in Guadalajara, Mexico, where we helped start a free clinic. Over the next 40 years, we continued volunteering in clinics and homeless shelters, serving lower-income communities in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.

Alongside many others who share this passion, we have experienced firsthand the joy that comes from helping neighbors and strengthening our community in small but meaningful ways.

The Birth of a Charitable Vineyard

In 2004, we purchased a farm in Pepin, Wisconsin and began planting a vineyard in 2007. What quickly became clear was that managing a vineyard while working full-time was a challenge — so we took a different approach.

We created Lost Creek Hippies Vineyard — a charitable vineyard where all proceeds would support three designated charities.

Since 2010, we have raised funds through the sale of grape and apple harvests as well as community fundraising events.

Our vineyard grew from 200 vines to over 1,600 vines across 5.5 acres. From 2009 to 2013, we produced Marquette and Prairie Star grapes, supported by more than 150 volunteers who helped plant, maintain, and harvest.

Adapting and Growing

In 2013, the vineyard faced serious fungal and parasite issues due to the challenges of maintaining the land from a distance. As a result, we transitioned away from vineyard operations in 2014.

In its place, we began developing an apple orchard on the same farm. Today, we grow McIntosh and Honeycrisp apples, and we proudly donate our harvests to the Pepin grade school for students to take home.

Our Annual FUN(d)raising Tradition

One of the most important parts of our journey has been our annual Fall FUN(d)raising Party, held each year on the second Saturday in September.

This event brings together friends, family, and supporters for a day of fun, games, conversation, dinner, and a bottle of our Altered States Apple Wine.

Over the years, this gathering has become a meaningful way to reconnect with those who have supported us — and an important source of funding for our three charities.

One Human Family

We continue to believe deeply that we are all connected. As Albert Einstein once said, seeing ourselves as separate is an “optical delusion of consciousness.”

This idea is beautifully expressed by One Human Family:

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