Stompin’ to an exotic ‘fete’
PAWS will host its Elephant Grape Stomp on Saturday
Not all PAWS come in the furry, finger-like form; some are instead flat and leathery, like the eight stars of this year’s annual fundraiser, “The Elephant Grape Stomp, An Afternoon in TUSKany.”
The Elephant Grape Stomp, going on its 11th year, is hosted by the Performing Animal Welfare Society, also referred to as “PAWS.” The event — to be held this Saturday — started back in 2004, after PAWS moved from the Galt location to their newly built ARK 2000 Sanctuary, where the event continues to be held to this day.
ARK 2000 is a 2,300-acre captive wildlife sanctuary, located in the San Andreas foothills, intersected by the beautiful Calaveras River. This roaring landscape is inhabited by a variety of exotic animals that were rescued from critical conditions in either captive wildlife or the performing animal trade.
PAWS offers animals like elephants, lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) a peaceful place that they can call home (minus Toto). Though they live in constant peace and harmony, that doesn’t mean the wild animals can’t have some fun, too! And that’s just what they have at the Elephant Grape Stomp, where attendees can witness the animals in all their glory.
The elephants get to compete in what’s called “Ms./Mr. TUSKany,” announced at 2 p.m. Ticketholders are encouraged to “vote” for their favorite elephant. Votes can be purchased for $5 each, and you can vote as many times as you’d like — either online when the ticket is purchased, or at the event itself.
“Private donors, sponsors, around 500 people attend give or take. It’s a fun event to take people to where the animals are and to wine taste and stroll around,” said Paul Munoz, marketing manager for Lodi’s Michael David Winery, one of several wineries featured at the event.
Keep in mind that if you plan on attending this event, all tickets are priced at $100 and must be pre-purchased online, and you must be 21 or over to attend.
All event proceeds will go directly towards captive wildlife’s needs: rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care. Aside from ticket sales and votes, the Grape Stomp will also raise money through its wine sponsors, food vendor and silent auction.
The silent auction will kick-off the event, starting at the Tiger and Bear Habitat. This auction will feature a unique lemon quartz and diamond pendant and earrings, set in 18K white gold and valued at $11,000. The jewelry is donated by Kimberly McDonald, who adorns stars and figures like Beyoncé, Brooke Shields, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Lopez and even Michelle Obama.
Among the items to be auctions off are belongings of the late Pat Derby, one of PAWS’ co-founders, including a script signed by actress and comedian Lily Tomlin, an elephant statue after winning an Emmy for “An Apology to Elephants” and a signed photograph.
Lunch will be catered by Il Fornaio, giving the Grape Stomp the “TUSKan” vibe.
What’s Italia without some fine wine? Local wineries featured at this event include Black Sheep, Bodega del Sur, Broll Mountain, Fortezza, Frog’s Tooth, Irish Family Vineyards, Ironstone, Michael David Winery, Milliaire, Moody Ridge, Renegade, Renner, Stevenot, Val du Vino, Vina Moda, Wilderotter Vineyard and Zucca Mountain. Sample or purchase wines from these California Gold Country award-winning wineries.
Ticket holders aren’t the only fundraisers for this event.
“Michael David used to be very involved with PAWS back in the ’80s and ’90s, but it was more hands-on. Both organizations were just starting out at the time,” Munoz said. “We lent ourselves to help get our product
out in front of consumers by bottling wines with elephant logos on the labels, which in turn helped PAWS spread awareness.”
Michael David recently donated $25,000 to PAWS, and that got them back in touch with each other.
“Our winery wanted to give back to PAWS with all the animal cruelty that there is, and in attending these events we hope to keep closer ties,” Munoz said. “Hopefully people that see the facility will want to be a part of it and donate and get the message.”
Don’t forget to visit the animals while you’re there! Take a casual stroll across the property or hop on the shuttle to visit Bull Mountain, where Asian elephant Nicholas resides. The African Elephant Vista will consist of Ed Stewart, one of PAWS’ cofounders, talking about his exotic, treasured elephants.