Stomping out lung disease (10 photos)
Thursday, September 27, 2012 by: Connie Carello
Saturday marked the fourth annual Grape Stomp organized by the Canadian Lung Association.
Organizing themselves in a court at the Station Mall, the participants handed in their pledge sheets and donations, signed up for next year’s event, and ripped off their shoes in anticipation.
Returning champions, “the Valley Girls,” were determined to keep their title from the sombrero wearing returning team “Heart Stompers,” and newcomers the “Sault Area Hospital Purple Feet.”
However, the competition became ever more apparent with the arrival of a “ringer” team called the “Cheese Heads.”
Uniquely named after their love for cheese, the “Cheese Heads” consisted of a pair of tourists, Cortney Ruggles and Ben Gignac, from Wisconsin who happened to be passing by and decided they wanted to get their feet wet while helping out a good cause.
This year’s host, Ali Russon, urged the participants on in a two round grape stomping battle.
After the first round, the “Valley Girls” were ahead and entered themselves into round two against the “SAH Purple Feet.”
However, this year, the girls “washing machine” technique was no match for the men’s quick step and chopping movements which resulted in the “SAH Purple Feet” victory.
Hoisting up the grape trophy, the men of the “SAH Purple Feet” team were even more ecstatic when Dave Pelletier, in his purple balloon attire, won best dressed for looking like a vine of grapes.
During this activity, passersby were able to donate to the cause and enjoy the spectical.
Nicastro Grape owners Marilyn, Korina, and Carrie could not have been more pleased with the turnout,
“We donate the grapes because it is such a good cause and a nice event for the community and allows us to enhance the awareness of our Italian culture.”
Daughter Korina added, “In 2000, my father passed on of throat cancer and since then my family has tried to keep his legacy and tradition alive. So in a way I feel like this is an excellent way to bring about awareness.”
Those willing to form teams next year are encouraged to do so by contacted organizer Grace Briglio at (705) 256-2335.
The full text of a media release on this event follows.
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