SANTA BARBARA — For the third year, Alma Rosa Winery plans to host its annual Peace of Mind—10,000 Steps in the Right Direction fundraising walk. It will take place on Saturday, July 23, 2022 on the grounds of Alma Rosa’s 628-acre estate located just north of Santa Barbara near the town of Buellton, CA. The 10,000 steps walk offers a tour of the property, taking walkers on a 4.5-mile there-and-back ramble through verdant wine country where Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Grenache vines grow thick with the plump fruit that has made that region so famous.
Registration for the walk is $55 per participant, which will be split equally between One Mind and the Mental Wellness Center https://mentalwellnesscenter.org/, the two organizations the Zorichs have chosen to support based on their contributions to mental health and wellness in Santa Barbara. Participants who can’t attend the walk-in person are still encouraged to register and participate virtually by going for their own simulated 10,000 step walk wherever they are located. People can also choose to support the walk’s mission by sharing the fundraiser online or making a direct donation to support the event.
On-site registration will also be offered the day of the walk. Registration and parking will open at 8AM and the walk will begin by 9AM. Some sections of the path involve rigorous quarter mile inclines, so good footwear and physical fitness are recommended for those participating in the live walk. Walkers who make it to the top of the climb can enjoy a splash of sparkling wine before making their way back to the bottom where a glass of wine (rosé, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay), water and other non-alcoholic refreshments will be waiting to quench each walker’s thirst.
Alma Rosa Winery owners Bob and Barb Zorich conceived of the walk as a way to raise funds to support research and treatment for anxiety and depression. In its first year, the fundraiser was held virtually and raised over $144,000 in support of One Mind and the Mental Wellness Center. Last year the fundraiser raised over $100,000 for the Mental Wellness Center. This year Bob and Barb hope the walk will have its biggest year yet. They are pledging to match the first $70,000 raised in donations.
“We believe supporting mental wellness is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy, thriving community,” said Debra Eagle, General Manager. “Mental Wellness Center and One Mind provide life-changing services that improve the quality of life for many people in the area. By helping these two organizations do the critical work they do, we hope to help improve mental health care within Santa Barbara County. It is our honor to support their cause and help others do the same.”
The Peace of Mind walk is not Bob Zorich’s first foray into supporting mental health care and research. He also serves as Chairman of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute and has previously sat on the board of the WorkFaith Connection of Houston. Zorich is also proud to support the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation in New York City.
To learn more about the Peace of Mind walk and to register, please visit: https://mentalwellnesscenter.org/alma-rosa-winery-peace-of-mind-10000-steps-in-the-right-direction/
About Mental Wellness Center — Celebrating 75 years of service to Santa Barbara, the Mental Wellness Center has been a community leader in building hope for individuals and families, providing support in recovery and raising awareness of mental health. This important organization provides mental health education to local students, a residential services program which safely provides a home to more than 100 community members across seven residential sites, and serves individuals and families impacted by mental illness through support groups, employment services, and social connection programs like the Fellowship Club, an on-site social day club and safe space with resources for those working on their mental health and wellness.
About Alma Rosa Winery — Alma Rosa Winery is dedicated to making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines that express the terroir of its unique appellation, the Sta. Rita Hills. Alma Rosa’s wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, reflecting the cool climate impact of the Pacific Ocean breezes which funnel through the unique east-west transverse mountain range of the region. The winery was founded in 2005 by Richard Sanford, who was the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Sta. Rita Hills in 1971. Today the winery is owned by Bob and Barb Zorich, who purchased the winery in 2014. Samra Morris is a winemaker.
For more information about Alma Rosa Winery, please visit almarosawinery.com.