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San Diego County, California

Dr. Cliff & Carolyn Colwell accept 2015 Guardian Award from VMF VP Greg Schuett

VMF 2015 Dinner Dance Highlights 'A Watershed Year'

‘A Watershed Year’ indeed! The Volcan Mountain Foundation (VMF) is extraordinarily grateful to the amazing community of businesses, artists, sponsors, individuals, families, volunteers and staffers that made VMF’s 24th Annual Dinner Dance & Auction fundraiser another outstanding success. The event, held Sunday, April 19th at Camp Stevens in Julian, brought together a remarkable group of backcountry residents, as well as members of the Volcan Mountain community from throughout the region.

Hahachepang means ‘Where the waters come from’. It’s the traditional Native American name for the Volcan Mountain Range. For thousands of years, human and animal communities have known that Volcan Mountain is a source of life and energy. The Range is a vital regional resource in San Diego County. Water from the Range feeds three of the largest watersheds in the San Diego Basin as well as the Anza-Borrego Watershed.

Together attendees helped raise over $65,000 in proceeds to support VMF’s efforts to engage people and conserve the wilderness, wildlife and watersheds of the Volcan Mountain Range!

Arriving guests were greeted by an incredible array of native plants carefully selected and donated for sale by Mike Evans of the Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano. Tree of Life Nursery also donated a lovely assortment of mini ‘ecopots’ for the dinner table centerpieces. The silent auction was accompanied by hors d’oeurves and beverages courtesy of Keith & Priscilla Webb of Apple Lane Orchard and Julian Hard Cider with Paul Thomas, Camp Stevens & Staff, John Horton, Menghini Winery, Milagro Farms Vineyard & Winery, Nickel Beer Company, Orchard Hill Country Inn, Ramona Ranch Winery, Shadow Mountain Vineyards, and Woof ‘n’ Rose Winery.

Dinner, provided by Peartrees Catering by The Wild Thyme Company, was kicked off with a live auction of a week’s stay for two donated by Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort & Spa. The wine enjoyed by diners was compliments of H. Eugene & Martha Myers.

Dr. Cliff & Carolyn Colwell were recognized with VMF’s 2015 Guardian Award for their decades-long efforts to help establish the San Dieguito River Park’s Coast to Crest Trail, which runs from the crest of the Volcan Mountain Range in Julian to the coast at the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar. It was the incredible natural diversity in San Diego County that drew them from the Midwest many years ago; and it’s the vital natural resources of the Volcan Mountain Range and its adjacent watersheds that have motivated them to offer their energy and generosity to supporting VMF’s conservation efforts.

Dr. Colwell was joined by Jim Ward who, along with his wife Alice Anda, offered a generous matching challenge contribution to benefit VMF’s Education-Outreach programs. Dr. & Mrs. Colwell offered their own matching challenge to support VMF’s Resource Management activities. By the time they were done they had raised $40,000 in pledge contributions! Thank you to Cliff, Carolyn, Jim, Alice, and all who gave so generously.

Thank you also to Rick & Jeri Crawford and Stan & Diane Coombs for underwriting the evening’s festivities. Sincere gratitude is extended to Jacqueline Phillippe Graphic Design for her skill and patience in designing the graphics, program and posters.

Visit VMF online at www.VolcanMt.org to learn more and get updates on events and activities.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR AUCTION DONORS!

Ed Abrams
Adventure 16
Lynne Anne Baker & Family
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Genny Boccardo-Dubey
Borrego Springs Resort & Spa
Butterfield Bed & Breakfast
California Wolf Center
Carmen's Place
Casa Mojanda Mountainside Inn & Farm
Rick & Jeri Crawford
Da Tuna Shack
Disneyland Resort
Don's Market
Elisara Family and New Zealand Environmental Network
Marty Emery
Essential Modes-Lori Munger
Joe Garcia
Tom & Gillian Gilhool
Great News Cookware & Cooking School
Becky Guffey
H & M Landing
Jeff Holt
Hornblower Cruises & Events
John Horton
James Hubbell
In-N-Out Burger
Paddy Jacobsen
Jake's Del Mar
Julian Chiropractic
Julian Fitness Center
Julian Pie Company
Julian Stables
Julian Tea & Cottage Arts
Julian Weaving Works-Academy of Hand Weaving
Carol Kerridge
La Casa Del Zorro Resort
Lamb's Players Theatre
Donna Lord
Don Madison
Miracle Springs Resort & Spa
Mission Bay Aquatic Center
Mitchell Woodworks
Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company
Moonlight Stage Productions
Mr. Manitas Taco Bar & Fruteria
Nickel Beer Company
Orchard Realty-Deborah & Steve Kerch
Palm Mountain Resort & Spa
Pamo Valley Winery
Pinecrest Retreat Swim Club
Pope Tree Service
Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort & Spa
Ransom Brothers
Renew in Julian
Bettie Rikansrud
Romano's Restaurant
Marge Rubenson
Dave & Kathie Rubenson
San Diego Botanic Garden
San Diego REPertory Theatre
San Diego Zoo Global Executive Office
Carol Schloo-Wright
Sky Sailing, Inc.
Skywoven Designs
Soups and Such & Flowers by Lani
Stone Brewing Co.
Tech Guy
Thai Time Ramona
The Birdwatcher
The Fish Market
The French Gourmet
The Julian Grille
The Springs at Borrego RV Resort & Golf Course
Visionary Designs-Julia Erickson
Wandering Sage
Warner Springs Ranch Resort
Keith & Priscilla Webb
Chuck & Judy Wheatley
Wilderness Ventures
Ken Wright
Wynola Flats Produce
Wynola Pizza & Bistro
Yanni's Bar & Grill

Title Image: 
Dr. Cliff & Carolyn Colwell accept 2015 Guardian Award from VMF VP Greg Schuett
Additional Photos: 
Dr. Cliff & Carolyn Colwell take a spin on the dance floor
Maureen Symonds & friends enjoying the company
Phil & Chris Scenna enjoy a slow dance together