A record $110,000 was raised Aug. 4 at the ninth annual Living Coast Discovery Center’s Farm to Bay tasting event. Around 400 guests turned out to support the South Bay zoo and aquarium, interact with some of its animals, and sample bites and booze from more than 30 local restaurants, wineries, and craft breweries. The proceeds will go toward the nonprofit’s coastal wildlife conservation efforts, along with its education and sustainability programs.
“We’re always looking for ways to raise the bar with Farm to Bay and, based on the feedback we have received from our guests this year, I think we achieved just that,” said Ben Vallejos, Living Coast’s executive director.
The event was also eco-friendly. Chula Vista Clean and master composters sorted through the trash generated at the event and were able to compost or recycle 90 percent of what would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.
Living Coast Discovery Center’s Farm to Bay Culinary Event Breaks a Fundraising Record
Promises2Kids welcomes its largest class to date into its Guardian Scholars higher education program
Foster youth advocate Promises2Kids welcomed 175 aspiring college students, its largest class to date, into its Guardian Scholars program while celebrating its recent grads. More than 250 guests attended the ceremony at the La Jolla home of philanthropist Ramin Pourteymour July 26.
Promises2Kids’ Guardian Scholars program helps former foster kids pursue their higher education dreams with partial scholarships and mentoring support. Of the 55 percent of former foster kids who attend college, the national graduation rate is only 8 percent, according to the nonprofit. About 80 percent of Guardian Scholars go on to graduate.
Living Coast Discovery Center’s Farm to Bay Culinary Event Breaks a Fundraising Record
Fox 5’s Tabitha Lipkin and North County Food Bank CEO James Floros with three active-duty servicemen
The $140,000 raised at the Drive Out Hunger Golf Classic July 23 is enough to provide more than 700,000 meals to needy North County residents. The North County Food Bank’s inaugural tournament at the Shadowridge Golf Club in Vista hosted 128 players, and its post-play dinner featured live and silent auctions and an awards ceremony emceed by Fox 5 weekend sports anchor Tabitha Lipkin. The event’s title sponsor was the Spiva Foundation and its presenting sponsor was Southwest Airlines.
Living Coast Discovery Center’s Farm to Bay Culinary Event Breaks a Fundraising Record
Living Coast Executive Director Ben Vallejos, Andy Yuen, County Supervisor Greg Cox, and Tracy Strahl
