Ugly Sweaters for a Good Cause

Decked out in Christmas tree hats, tacky bows and colored ribbons, people got into the holiday spirit to benefit Toys for Tots at The Vine in Grayslake.

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 …

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Angela Morrey

12:49 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012

I love the Christmas tree skirt worn as a sweater by Al Muto. What a great idea!!   more ›

Downtown Rib Throwdown For The Oasis Is A Tasty And Charitable Success

The Vine in downtown Grayslake was packed Sunday as residents feasted on barbecue ribs at the 3rd annual Downtown Rib Throwdown, which benefited the Oasis Grayslake Youth Center.

The sights, sounds and smells of the 3rd annual Downtown Rib Throwdown in Grayslake Sept. 16 were intoxicating. The Vine on Center Street was packed with residents chowing down on delicious barbecue for a great cause--to raise money for the Oasis Grayslake Youth Center. "We know Grayslake loves ribs," said Joyce Campbell, who serves as president of the Oasis' Board of Directors. The event, which Campbell said grows every year, raised nearly $10,000 for the center, which provides a safe after-school environment for Grayslake students to hang out with friends, do homework and projects, play games and listen to music. "It was definitely a big success. The weather was perfect," said Vine owner Mike Pruitt. The Vine has hosted the Downtown Rib …

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The Vine to Host Fundraiser for Skate Park

The 2nd Annual RVCA Sample Sale will help maintain and make repairs at the Grayslake skate park.

The second annual RVCA Sample Sale fundraiser will be held at the Vine Wine and Martini Bar in Grayslake Thursday from 7-10 p.m. All proceeds raised during the event will go towards the Daniel Barry Memorial Skate Park. RVCA is a clothing company that has a skateboarding, surfing and art influence. Brendan Rafferty, whose family owns Rudolph's Furnture in Grayslake, is helping organize the event, along with Mike Pruitt of the Vine. Rafferty said its important to maintain the skate park because many local teens use it. "This gives kids a place to go. Growing up I didn't have that," Rafferty said. "It keeps them out of trouble and its something that is important to them so it's important to us." The 12,000 foot skate park is located on …

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VIDEO: How to Make St. Patrick's Day Martinis

Mike Pruitt and Brendan Egan from The Vine in Grayslake shares three green martini recipes and explains why martinis are so expensive.

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The Vine Turns 5, with a Bourbon Tasting, $5 Martinis and Live Music

The Vine Martini Bar owners and staff are inviting community members to their 5th anniversary celebration today and tomorrow.

The Vine - Martini & Wine Bar is celebrating its fifth anniversary by throwing a big party. They begin with their fifth annual Bourbon Tasting tonight, Friday, Sept. 9 starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, and will be available at the door. Tonight's event includes bourbons, scotch whiskeys, whiskeys, a cigar roller, food pairings and more. They just added six new bourbons to the ever expanding tasting list: The 5 Year Celebration includes live music by Chasing The Day. The public event runs from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. The Vine - Martini & Wine Bar is located at 101 Center Street, Grayslake. The Vine - Martini & Wine Bar The Vine will serve free burgers and brats outside in the main tents while supplies last, along …

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