SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Participants will focus their efforts on a weekend winery walk to raise money for the Mental Wellness Center of Santa Barbara. A portion will also be donated to One Mind, a nonprofit organization that funds neuropsychiatric brain research.
Saturday’s event begins at 9 a.m. at Alma Rosa Winery. It’s called “Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction.”
Anne-Marie Cameron, CEO of the Center for Mental Wellness, said: “This walk is so important as May is Mental Health Awareness Month.” “All money raised from this event will go toward supporting programs here at the Mental Wellness Center.”
Funds will be donated to various mental wellness programs throughout the county.
Debra Eagle, general manager of Alma Rosa Winery, said the wellness center serves people with mental health diagnoses here in Santa Barbara County, and One Mind funds research into mental health diagnoses. He said it was a great compliment to each person. ”
Individuals and teams are now registering. The walk begins at 9am and is just over 4 miles in distance. This allows pedestrians to pass through the vineyards, which are in the development stage for the next harvest, and enter areas that are not visible to the public. Prime Minister David Cameron said around 200 people had registered early, with more expected to register before this Friday’s deadline.
Some participants have participated in the walk four times in the past, some are participating for the first time, and some are from out of state.
A wine reception will also be held at the finish line with non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
The participation fee per walker is $55. Alma Rosa owners Bob and Barb Zorich are matching the funds raised up to $60,000.
This is the fifth year of the walk. They will be installed at various elevations of the winery in areas that are closed to public access. “It’s about 10,000 steps, but a little less than that, so it’s a fitness goal for everyone and a good way to start the day,” Eagle said. “They are amazed at the beauty of the grounds, the views they get from it and are struck by how peaceful a place this is in the world. They really enjoy being out in nature. think.”
Visit our Mental Wellness Center for more information.
