Volcan Mountain Foundation

On a night for sharing the spirit of wonder and discovery, supporters of the Volcan Mountain Foundation (VMF) were the shining stars at the 23rd Annual Dinner Dance fundraiser, helping to raise more than $55,000 in net proceeds!  Held Sunday, March 30th at Camp Stevens the event was highlighted by remarkable volunteers and generous donors, all brought together with a common cause of supporting the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the 15-mile long Volcan Mountain Range.

Sheana Fry, Bill Porter and Mark Marquette were recognized as 2013 VMF Volunteers of the Year for their varied and invaluable service contributions.  Diane Barlow Coombs was honored with the 2014 VMF Guardian Award for her decades of support, service and tireless spirit in helping to protect Volcan Mountain, create the San Dieguito River Park and Coast to Crest Trail, and countless other efforts which have furthered conservation awareness around the backcountry and throughout San Diego County.  Coombs remarked that receiving the award is a highlight and result of her passion after, “Falling in love with the mountain,” upon moving to San Diego.

Coombs noted that she looks forward to memorializing former VMF Executive Director, Susan Cary, who passed away in 2012, for her passionate and instrumental efforts in preserving Volcan Mountain.  Cary’s work led to a vital $1,000,000 contribution from another ardent conservationist, Enid Gleich, who passed away in 2013.  That contribution, and significant grant funding secured by Cary, resulted in VMF’s first acquisition of 271 acres in 2009.

The generosity continued after dinner with a live auction of a week’s stay for two donated by Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort & Spa and an opportunity to support VMF’s education and outreach programs and management of its properties.  A $15,000 gift was pledged by the extended Coombs family through the Michael & Paula Rantz Foundation, as well a $5,000 contribution from the Institute for Law & Systems Research pledged by Alice Anda & Jim Ward.  When it was time for dessert and dancing more than $27,000 had been pledged!

The evening’s festivities were underwritten by sponsors Stan & Diane Coombs and Rick & Jeri Crawford, and made possible by many local providers who either donated their products and services or provided substantial discounts, including:  Keith & Priscilla Webb of Apple Lane Orchard and Julian Hard Cider with Paul Thomas, Camp Stevens & Staff, The Tiso Family & La Serenissima Winery, Anita Nichols & Mom’s Pie House, Tom Nickel of Nickel Beer Company, Pat & Darrell Straube of Orchard Hill Country Inn, Peartrees Catering, Jacqueline Phillippe Graphic Design, Audrey Smith of Photos by Audrey, Rick Trestrail & The Footloose Band, and Mike Evans of the Tree of Life Nursery.

Colleen Bradley, VMF’s Executive Director, remarked, “The Volcan Mountain Foundation is grateful to all the volunteers that gave their time and the sponsors, businesses, artists, individuals and families that once again contributed to making this the most successful Dinner Dance yet.”  More information on VMF events and activities can be found online at www.VolcanMt.org.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR AWESOME SILENT AUCTION CONTRIBUTORS!

• A Noble Event
• Ed Abrams
• Adventure 16
• Lynne Anne Baker Family
• Bob Ball & LouAnn Gibson
• Big Apple Bagels
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps
• Beth Bojarski
• Borrego Springs Resort & Spa
• Angie Brenner
• Butterfield Bed & Breakfast
• California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• California Wolf Center
• Camp Stevens
• Candied Apple Pastry Company
• Carmen's Place
• Casa Mojanda Mountainside Inn & Farm
• Cook Pigs
• Rick & Jeri Crawford
• Da Tuna Shack
• Disneyland Resort
• Elisara Family and New Zealand Environmental Network
• Martyn Emery, volcan View Mountain Chalet
• Essential Modes
• Jay Evarts & Susan Aurand with Bill & Barbara Forniciari
• Anne Garcia
• Joe Garcia
• Joe & Anne Garcia
• Glen Ivy Hot Springs
• Great News Cookware & Cooking School
• H & M Landing
• Larry Hendrickson
• Jeff Holt
• Hornblower Cruises & Events
• James Hubbell
• Ilan Lael Foundation
• In-N-Out Burger
• Paddie Jacobsen
• Jake's Del Mar
• Jeremy's on the Hill
• Julian Chiropractic
• Julian Fitness Center
• Julian Pie Company
• Julian Stables
• Julian Tea & Cottage Arts
• Julian Weaving Works-Academy of Hand Weaving
• Kathy's Dress Shop
• Kat's Yarn & Craft Cottage
• Deborah & Steve Kerch of Orchard Realty
• Kirk's Bike Shop
• Brian & Nancy Kramer of Nancy's Vacation Rentals
• La Casa Del Zorro Resort
• Lamb's Players Theatre
• Las Vegas Philharmonic
• Donna Lord
• Main Street Carriage Company
• Toni Marquette
• Sharyl Massey
• Miracle Springs Resort & Spa
• Mission Bay Aquatic Center
• Mitchell Woodworks
• Moonlight Stage Productions
• H. Eugene & Martha Myers
• Anita Nichols
• Nickel Beer Company
• Orchard Hill Country Inn
• Orfila Winery
• Palm Mountain Resort & Spa
• Peace Offers
• Carol Pike
• Pinecrest Retreat Swim Club
• Michael & Meili Pinto
• Pope Tree Service
• Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation
• Quinn Knives
• Ransom Brothers
• Reed's Hobby Shop
• Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
• Bettie Rikansrud
• Romano's Restaurant
• Dave & Kathie Rubenson
• Marge Rubenson
• San Diego Botanic Garden
• San Diego REPertory Theatre
• San Diego State Athletics
• San Diego Zoo Global Executive Office
• Carol Schloo-Wright
• L. Blair Shamel
• Sky Sailing, Inc.
• Sally Snipes
• Soups and Such & Flowers by Lani
• Southwest Airlines
• Starbucks Coffee Company
• Stone Brewing Co.
• Pat & Darrell Straube
• Lynn Taylor & Doug Hurley
• Tech Guy
• Thai Time Ramona
• The Best To You
• The Birdwatcher
• The Fish Market
• The French Gourmet
• The Julian Grille
• The Springs at Borrego
• Tiso Family & La Serenissima Winery
• Tom & Gillian Gilhool of Stone Apple Farm
• Wandering Sage
• Warner Springs Ranch Resort
• Keith & Priscilla Webb of Apple Lane Orchard Estate
• Don Weeke
• Don & Jean Winslow
• Ken Wright
• Wynola Pizza Express
• Yanni's Bistro