Busy and jovial winery owner Juan Diaz greeted guests at the entrance to the 2^nd Annual Barrio Logan Winery Grape Stomp in a white polo shirt covered with lipstick kiss marks.

Juan Diaz at the Grape Stomp.

For more photos, go to: CAUSE.

^{Photo by Cause for Celebration}

“For good luck” he shouted the over cheering as two competing teams tossed aside shoes and approached buckets of juicy grapes for the chance to win donations to their favorite nonprofits.

WHO CAME: Joanna Obermiller and Joel Thomas were there cheering on the stompers as were Maureen Honey, Mary Lou Lopez, Edel Gaytan and Artist Andy Gonzalez. Roderick Michener and Mica Haley enjoyed the cool vibe of the colorful lounge area, and Sam Duran, executive director of Urban Corps of San Diego County, was happy to meet up with San Diego Councilman Tony Young. The Vazquez family -- Cuauhtemoc, Alberta, Carlos, and Salvator relaxed in center stage seats. Colorfully costumed Rev. Mary Moreno Richardson of St. Paul's Cathedral enjoyed the festivities with Venessia Leal. Angelica Lopez and Juan Cesena expressed their delight at being a part of this unique event.

THE CAUSE: Barrio Logan Winery is not yet open to the public and you can’t buy their wines in stores. Owner Diaz and marketing director Arnold Louio instead partner with local nonprofit groups and donate the wines at cost to help raise funds for community projects and organizations. Diaz also opens the courtyard of his construction materials testing business, TSI, as a party location. Organizations assisted by this year’s Grape Stomp, House of Mexico and Sherman Heights Community Center, were chosen by the two teams who produced the most juice with their bare feet.

THE CREATIVE: Three gorgeous motorcycles with intricately tooled leather details flanked the registration tables in the courtyard of the TSI headquarters on Main Street in the heart of the historic Barrio District. Colorful papel picado flags framed the dining area where a spectators feasted on traditional Mexican food and enjoyed popular music and thumping team theme songs by Anthony from Sonido DJ Meza. Barrio Logan Winery Marketing Director Arnold Louio served up glasses of the winery’s best as well as cool cups of homemade sangria.

THE GOOD HEARTED: Thoughtful sponsors of the 2^nd Annual Grape Stomp included Casa Artelexia Gifts and Home Décor and Latte Mi Corazon Coffee Bar and Garden. Casa Artelexia co-owner Elexia Orlic, costumed in beautiful Dia de Muertos style, displayed a vibrant array of gifts and art work from her Little Italy boutique and Latte Mi Corazon’s Meximocha Team won this year’s crowd pleaser award for the second year running. Elegantly draped Emcee Venus Molina, Chief Policy Advisor for Councilman Tony Young, entertained partygoers with lighthearted commentary. Hugo Quezada and Liliana Acosta were delightful Ambassadors at the T-shirt table and a team of volunteers including Sandra Rabe and Marcella Lopez kept the competition running smoothly.

GET INVOLVED: Keep abreast of upcoming charity events at the Barrio Logan Winery and the organizations that will be supported by joining the winery’s Facebook page. To support the House of Mexico, consider attending one of their many community events designed to celebrate, educate, and promote the culture and history of Mexico to San Diego and its visitors. Become a tutor at the Sherman Heights Community Center. Many of the Center’s community building programs assist children and adults in achieving their academic goals. Call 619/232-5181.

For more photos, go to: CAUSE.