Volcan Mountain Foundation

There are just a couple weeks now until the 23rd Annual Volcan Mountain Foundation (VMF) Dinner Dance & Auction.  Though reservations are still available, they're filling up quickly!  Scheduled for Sunday, March 30th at Camp Stevens in Julian, time is running out and so are seats!  Interested attendees are reminded to contact the VMF office (760-765-2300 or [email protected]) no later than Friday, March 21st to confirm their reservations.  Recent years have sold out, so don’t wait!

With all the proceeds of the fundraiser going to support VMF’s work of protecting and preserving Volcan Mountain, it always promises to be a great time for a great cause!  Before dinner the amazing auction array will entice guests while they enjoy hors d’oeurves compliments of Orchard Hill Country Inn, and local beverages from La Serenissima Winery near Sunshine Summit, Julian’s new Nickel Beer Company, and hard and traditional cider courtesy of Julian Hard Cider and Apple Lane Orchard. 

Appealing to a wide range of budgets and interests, with incredible values, there’s truly something for everyone in the auction.  From a Mission Bay stay and kayak getaway, to Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Costa Rica, Paris, Ecuador, and New Zealand, there are exciting nearby and distant travel destinations—even Julian!  A week’s spa getaway for two at the legendary Rancho La Puerta, valued at $7,500, will be the highlight of an exciting live auction.  For art lovers there is an impressive variety of stunning paintings, photographs, jewelry and wearable art from Ed Abrams, Anne Garcia, Joe Garcia, Jeff Holt, James Hubbell, Bettie Rikansrud, Marge Rubenson, Carol Schloo-Wright, L. Blair Shamel, Don Weeke, and Ken Wright.

Find great deals on things you already want to do with many more local and San Diego–area dining and theater offerings this year, golfing, horseback riding, a climbing wall adventure, whale watching, sport fishing, as well as excursions for Birch Aquarium, Disneyland, and San Diego Zoo or Safari Park.  Take care of your mind, body and spirit with great values on gift certificates for local services such as yoga, massages, Julian Chiropractic, Pinecrest Swim Club, the Julian Fitness Center, and professional mediation counseling from Peace Offers.  Keep things running safe and smooth at home with chimney sweeping from Donna Lord, tree services from Pope Tree Service, and computer services from The Tech Guy.

There are innumerable treasures to tempt your taste buds, beautify your home, and enjoy the outdoors from Adventure 16, Julian Pie Company, Kathy’s Dress Shop, Kirk's Bike Shop, Mitchell Woodworks, Ransom Brothers, The French Gourmet, and many more.

Headlining this year’s Fab Feast line-up is a pork-themed party courtesy of VMF’s new farm-to-table friends at Cook Pigs Ranch for 50 guests coordinated and decorated by A Noble Event and Dish Dames.  The feast will feature delicious contributions by long-time VMF friends Jeremy’s On The Hill, Candied Apple Pastry Company, Julian Hard Cider, and Orchard Hill Country Inn.  Several of these friends are also contributing to other events, including a French feast at the Pine Hills chateau of Bob Ball & LouAnn Gibson, and a Mediterranean lunch with artist James Hubbell.  Don’t miss ‘Crime & Chili’ hosted by author and screenwriter, Don Winslow and his wife Jean at their home in Wynola, featuring conversation about the writing life and Don’s famous chili.  New this year is a Fiesta of Flight for 35 guests at the Ramona hangar of US Motorgliders, featuring traditional Mexican fare and an extraordinary collection of flying machines.  A more intimate Mexican luncheon will be hosted by Rick & Jeri Crawford at their spectacular ridgeline estate with extraordinary views all the way to the Chocolate Mountains.  The August ‘super full moon’ will light Sunday Summer Supper at ‘The Farm’ hosted by Anita Nichols of Mom’s Pie House in the lovely gardens at Mom’s Wynola location.  Experience the start of the grape harvest season with a tour and long, lingering, Italian lunch courtesy of the Tiso Family at their La Serenissima Winery near Sunshine Summit.

Bird Watching for Beginners with naturalist and avid birder, Sharyl Massey will lead off the spring and summer series of Experiences at Lake Cuyamaca.  While the very popular Spring Wildflower Tour led by Larry Hendrickson and the Native American Plant Walk led by Sally Snipes & Toni Marquette will explore rarely-visited spots on Volcan Mountain.  Classical music lovers can arrange a getaway and enjoy performances in April or May courtesy of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, thanks to arrangements by Jeri Crawford.  Finally a behind-the scenes ‘Owner’s Day’ at Del Mar Race Track hosted by Keith & Priscilla Webb is an exciting way to round out the season’s Experiences at the end of the summer.

Make your reservations today by contacting the VMF office at 760-765-2300 or [email protected].  Visit VMF online for more information and updates on the event and auction items at www.VolcanMt.org.