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San Diego County, California

Camp Stevens' Director Beth Bojarski with Bob & Joyce Gans

Volcan Mountain 25th Year Celebration Kicked Off Generously with Over $65,000 Raised

The Volcan Mountain Foundation (VMF) will turn 25 this coming October, and the 22nd Annual Dinner Dance & Auction on Saturday, March 23rd at Camp Stevens was a sold-out start to a year-long celebration.  As VMF commemorates 25 years of keeping Volcan Mountain wild, they’re also looking ahead to the next quarter century of helping to cultivate the Volcan Mountain community, and nurture the next generation of protectors of our natural treasures.  Besides bringing the Volcan Mountain community together to enjoy great food, drink and dancing, the Dinner Dance is VMF’s largest annual fundraiser.  VMF’s many friends and supporters bid and gave generously with over $22,000 raised during the silent auction.  Rancho La Puerta donated not just one, but two(!), one-week stays at the famous spa that were auctioned off live, bringing in $10,500.  Last, but certainly not least, an amazing $22,000 in donations were also ‘bid’ in a live auction to expand the activities of VMF’s Education-Outreach program.  Add in $11,000 in guest reservations and altogether over $65,000 was raised!

Of course none of this would be possible without the support of the many generous supporters and donors of auction items, food and wine.  As guests arrived to Blum Lodge at Camp Stevens they were greeted with an array of native plants donated for sale by the Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano and treated to hors d’oeurves created by Camp Stevens’ and Orchard Hill Country Inn’s talented culinary staffs.  They sampled wine provided by Orfila Winery of Julian, and Rock Canyon Vineyards in Alpine, with the compliments of Orchard Realty-Kerch & Associates and Ortiz CorporationJulian Brewing Company made its Dinner Dance debut with the donation of a terrific golden ale.  Samples of Julian Hard Cider and its sweet cider partner from Apple Lane Orchard were served up personally by proud-owners, Keith & Priscilla Webb.  Keith & Priscilla later presented a check for $50,000 to VMF President, Michael Pinto, as the first installment of a $100,000 matching gift in support of the Volcan Mountain Gateway Nature Education Center.  VMF’s appreciation for this generous support is even bigger than the large ceremonial check they presented!

Everyone was delighted with the fabulous buffet presented by the professional staff of Peartrees Catering, which also provided a substantial discount to support the fundraiser.  Owner Jerry Seigel wants Volcan supporters to know that they can support VMF by having Peartrees cater their own events throughout San Diego.  20% of the catering cost for their event will then be donated to VMF!  Beautiful decorations were provided by a team led by Karen Smith & Judie Lincer.  Orchard Hill Country Inn donated the fine dinner wine from La Serenissma Winery near Warner Springs.  Pat Straube, co-owns the 4-star inn with her husband, Darrell.  She and Howard Levenson, who both retired from the VMF board last year, were honored for their service with beautiful framed photographs of Volcan Mountain by Blair Shamel.  Another past board member, Michael Beck, could not be present to receive his commemorative photograph.

Film Festival Committee co-chairs, Nancy Kramer & Terry Ross preceded the wildly successful live auction by giving a preview of the much anticipated 2nd Annual Julian Wild & Scenic Film Festival coming up on May 17th, 18th & 19th.  With entertainment in mind, guests made their way back to Blum Lodge for a gelato tasting courtesy of Suzanne Schaffner of Esco Gelato in Escondido, other tempting desserts donated by Mom’s Pie House, and dancing to nostalgic tunes of The Footloose Band.  Leader and Julian local, Rick Trestrail, generously donated his band’s services to support the fundraiser.  So many guests commented on what a great performance they gave and how much fun they had.  Here’s hoping that The Footloose Band can do it again for next year’s dinner dance!

Finally, rounding out the Volcan Mountain community, and working diligently behind the scenes were the fabulous Camp Stevens staff and a small, but dedicated crew of VMF staff and volunteers.  Sincere thanks go out to all those who gave of their time, energy and pocketbooks to support the continued protection and preservation of Volcan Mountain.  In addition to the Film Festival, there are many other Volcan Mountain Foundation events planned through the rest of the year.  Be sure to visit Volcan Mountain in person or online at www.VolcanMt.org where you can see all that’s going on and sign-up for e-news updates as well.

Title Image: 
Dinner Dance 2013 guests enjoying dinner-Photo by Jeff Holt
Additional Photos: 
Rich Caputo's vintage roadster in front of Camp Stevens' Dining Hall
Rich Caputo & Marge Rubenson arrive in style
Keith & Priscilla Webb pour Julian Hard Cider & Apple Lane Orchard sweet cider
Janet Gastil & Kristi Holt ready to celebrate-Photo by Jeff Holt
Tom & Judy Parry with Jeff Holt-Photo by Kristi Holt
Paula Hackman & Bill Porter-Photo by Jeff Holt
Tempting hors d'oeurves by Camp Stevens & Orchard Hill Country Inn
Volunteer Gina Campus serving wine and water to guests
Some of the beautiful decorations by Karen Smith, Judie Lince & crew
Camp Stevens' Dining Hall ready for guests
Junior High Volunteers, Taylor & Kaleigh ready to help guests
Film Festival co-chairs, Terry Ross & Nancy Kramer-Photo by Jeff Holt
Recognizing retired board members Pat Straube & Howard Levenson-Photo Jeff Holt
Keith & Priscilla Webb present their check to President Pinto-Photo Jeff Holt
Michael Pinto & Kathleen Beck-Photo by Jeff Holt