Ugly Sweaters for a Good Cause

They came out with bells on, wearing tree skirts and chimney hats as The Vine Martini and Wine Bar in Grayslake held its annual Ugly Sweater Party on Dec. 12. 

The event benefitted Toys for Tots as well as providing donations and toys for a local family in need of some holiday cheer.

Mike Pruitt, co-owner of The Vine, said they were making a donation for every ugly sweater that walked through the door. Each person was also asked to bring in an unopened toy for Toys for Tots.

"The donations have been outstanding," said Sgt. Alexis Gonzalez of the MACG 48, Marines stationed at the Great Lakes. He and Sgt. Carlos Moreno were collecting donations at The Vine. "We have collected and distributed over 30,000 toys throughout Lake County already this year. It is awesome to see how excited the kids are to receive these gifts."

In addition to supporting Toys for Tots, the Ugly Sweater event also helped a Grayslake family stuggling with unemployment. Wendy Petera, liason with the Grayslake Exchange Club of which Pruitt is the president, said they were happy to help a local family during the holidays. "They asked for a little help during a tough time, and we have collected over six bags of gifts for them."