On Saturday, July 24, Alma Rosa Winery in the Sta. Rita Hills will host its second annual “Peace of Mind — 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction,” a fundraising walk.
The event will take place on Alma Rosa’s 628-acre estate on Santa Rosa Road and cover approximately five miles. The cost to participate is $50 per person.
A virtual walk will be held for anyone unable to attend in person and will simulate the outdoor walk.
Via this link, those interested may register for the walk, which will start at 9 a.m. Check-in will open at 8 a.m. Organizers note that most people will need between 90 minutes and two hours to complete the event, which will offer views of Alma Rosa and adjacent vineyards.
Funds raised will support research and treatment for anxiety and depression through the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara, as well as One Mind, a mental health organization focusing on the causes, treatments and cures for brain-related diseases.
The owners of Alma Rosa, Bob and Barb Zorich, have long supported mental health issues.
Participants may donate to either beneficiary. The Zoriches are matching the first $35,000 in donations to each organization for a total of $70,000.
Alma Rosa also observed Mental Health Month in May by donating 10% of all direct sales to the Mental Wellness Center.
“Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent health disorders that affect our communities today, and we believe there has never been a more urgent time to be part of the solution,” Bob Zorich said. “We feel especially compelled to give back to our community by supporting research and care within Santa Barbara County and the state of California. We believe strongly that giving back is contagious, and hope to inspire people to join us in supporting these two organizations and the critical work they do.”
In addition to hosting the annual Peace of Mind event, Zorich also serves as the chairman of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute, and sits on the board of the WorkFaith Connection of Houston. He also is a supporter of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston and the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation in New York City.
One Mind was founded 26 years ago and since has raised nearly $500 million in direct and leveraged funding toward its vision of healthy brains for all. Its mission is to hasten discoveries in brain health through large-scale, open-science research.
Since 1947, the Mental Wellness Center has built home for individuals and families alike via support in recovery and the raising of awareness toward mental health in the Santa Barbara community. A residential services program offers a home to more than 100 community members across seven residential sites and offers support groups, employment services and social connection programs such as the Fellowship Club, an on-site social day club.
Alma Rosa showcases chardonnay and pinot noir from the Sta. Rita Hills, a region known for its cool climate. The winery was founded in 2005 by Richard Sanford, who was the first to plant pinot noir in the Sta. Rita Hills in 1971. The Zorichs purchased Alma Rosa from Sanford in 2014. Samra Morris is the winemaker.
Dream Big Darling Unveils Scholarship Program for Women
Dream Big Darling and The Millinger Group have collaborated to create a scholarship opportunity for emerging women leaders in the wine and spirits industry.
A total of five “FLOurish Scholarships” will be awarded, with each recipient gaining full-ride access to FLOurish, a new professional development program that includes personalized coaching and personality assessments by Rona Millinger, founder and president of The Millinger Group.
“I wish I had access to a program like this when I started my career, which is why I’m so excited that we can provide FLOurish to the next generation of leaders in our industry,” said Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, founder of Dream Big Darling, noting that the value of each scholarship is $3,000.
Dream Big Darling is a nonprofit organization that boosts the success of women in the wine and spirits industry through mentorship, education, life enhancement and professional retreats. The Millinger Group is a full-service, woman-owned human resources consulting firm providing personal, high-touch services to companies in the private and public sectors.
While the deadline to apply for the initial program was earlier this month, applicants may find additional information or apply for future programs online at dreambigdarling.org/flo.
Millinger developed the FLOurish program to honor her professional mentor, Florence Pramberger, a former human resources leader for Bacardi, Beam and Mast-Jägermeister — where she was known as the “FLOmeister.”
“Florence left us too early after a fight with cancer,” Millinger said. “I want to continue to give what she can no longer: mentorship, coaching, development and guidance to women who are looking to grow, contribute, progress and advance in work and life.”
Along the way, Millinger will work closely with each scholarship recipient and coach them through every step of the FLOurish program. Along the way, she will discern what comes naturally to each woman and highlight where their focus should be in matters pertaining to communication, interpersonal dynamics, problem-solving and decision-making, organization and time management, and handling adversity.
For more information, visit dreambigdarling.org or themillingergroup.com.
— Laurie Jervis tweets at @lauriejervis and can be reached via winecountrywriter@gmail.com. The opinions expressed are her own.