San Luis Obispo is such a giving community! The support for Rendezvous at the Ranch, an upcoming benefit for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of San Luis Obispo County, has been overwhelming.
The event, billed as “an evening of starlight, gourmet dining, fine wines, art, music and more in the casual elegance of the historic Santa Margarita Ranch,” takes place on August 21 at the Santa Margarita Ranch.
“We weren’t sure what to expect this year, but the support has been amazing,” Resource Development Director Cathy Orton said recently. “Major sponsors committed early and hundreds of incredible auction items have been donated. Rendezvous at the Ranch is a fundraiser, but it’s also a way for us to provide a spectacular evening for the community that supports CASA. Having so much to offer makes it very exciting for our guests.”
Live auction lots include unusual packages such as one that combines a glider ride over Santa Ynez Valley, with wine tasting, a gourmet dinner and breakfast at Celebrity Chef Bradley Ogden’s Root 246, and a night at the Hotel Corque.
The silent auction will offer everything from adventure travel to professional teeth whitening. Local wineries and artists are also well represented.
The annual event is an important fundraiser for the CASA. Last year, 64 percent of the group’s revenue came from private individuals, highlighting why this event’s success is so important.
CASA of SLO County provides recruitment, training and supervision of volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates for SLO County children who are under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court due to child abuse and neglect. These children receive much needed representation and stable, ongoing assistance to help them grow up in safe, nurturing, permanent homes.
Of the children whose cases were resolved in 2009 and were assigned a CASA volunteer:
- 98% gained permanent, legal placements, meaning they were returned to safe families, adopted received guardianship or supported emancipation.
- 100% of the children whose permanent plan had been Long Term Foster Care were given permanent homes outside of the child welfare system. This not only creates stable lives for the children, but also saves our County over $250,000 annually.
ABOUT Rendezvous at the Ranch:
Evening includes dinner by Jose Dahan of Et Voila, live music by Billy Schaub, silent and art auction, live auction and a drawing to win an instant wine cellar of super premium Central Coast wines and wine refrigerator.
EMCEE: Katie Marzullo and Arturo Santiago, KCOY12 / FOX 11
AUCTIONEER: John Glines
WHEN: Saturday, August 21, 2010, 5 pm
WHERE: Santa Margarita Ranch, 9000 Yerba Buena Avenue, Santa Margarita
EVENT TICKETS: $100 per person. $1,000 for a VIP table of 10 (includes group photo). Call 541-6542 or visit www.slocasa.org to purchase tickets.
Drawing Information: Tickets for the drawing for a wine refrigerator stocked with 50 bottles of fine local wine are on sale now. Other prizes are also offered. Tickets are $50 each, or buy four and get one free.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the CASA office at 805-541-6542 or at the CASA office, 75 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. Must be over 21 to purchase raffle tickets. The winner will be announced at Rendezvous at the Ranch event on August 21. Winner need not be present to win. Major event sponsors include: Studios on the Park, The Tribune, Starbucks, Et Voila Restaurant, KCOY 12/Fox 11, Johnsen and Johnsen Legal Support Service and the Santa Margarita Ranch.
For more information please visit www.slocasa.org.
Lindsey Miller
lindseyinslo
