The Annual Fundraiser on Saturday, September 7, 2024, was a huge success! We want to extend a very warm and huge THANK YOU to all our kind supporters who participated and attended. It was a wonderful and magical evening made possible by our community near and far, raising crucial funding for children's wildlife conservation education programs.
The evening started with a sparkling wine welcome by Gloria Ferrer and tours to see the wild and wonderful Safari West animals. A silent auction reception followed with special surprises face painting and photos ops with costumed "wild" Giraffe and Zebra by Catalyst Events. Classroom Safari's famous sloth, Clawdia Slowinski, made a special appearance along with her wild rescued friends. Special thanks to Bedarra Vineyards, Weather Chardonnay, Innumero Winery, Sonoma County Vintners, 3 Disciples and Parliament Brewing Co for providing refreshments throughout the evening.
Comedian/entertainer, Steve Bruner, hosted the evening's program with Bongo Bingo, followed by program guest presenter highlighting the Foundation's three programs: Safari West LIVE, Junior Keepers, and Discover Africa. Nova Terra Creamery started off dinner with a delicious vegan cheese offering and Safari West's Chef Rob created a mouthwatering surf and turf dinner. The evening continued with a fabulous live auction led by long-time Safari West supporter, Brent Farris, with exclusive items offered by Bennett Valley Jewelers, Chef Dustin Vallette, Classroom Safari, luxury destination homes of neighbors and friends, Safari West and Foundation Team, SoCo Paella, and Verite/Jackson Family Wines.
The Foundation's programs benefit children across the north bay and beyond in hospitals across the Country. The Safari West LIVE program creates inspiration and supports children in their road to wellness recovery by offering a reprieve from the patient's long-term hospital stay. Program supports positive mental health while providing hope for wellness while reducing fear, anxiety, and pain. Young explorers are delighted by the careful planning of special events such as celebrating birthdays and milestones as they interact with the hosts and guides while on safari and enjoy learning about the wild things who live at Safari West and conservation efforts.
There are so many wonderful and generous people to thank, and we are truly appreciative of the evening's sponsors: Poppy Bank, The Doctors Company, Keysight, Ecolab, and board members Lauren Hill, Tom Croft, and Stephanie Larson. Thank you to ATL Events for providing excellent sound and AC support. We are in appreciation of our generous
supporters couldn't make it to the event in person and sent gifts of support, thank you for your kindness!
Special thanks to the individuals and companies who donated to support the silent and live auctions, with special thanks to Chef Dustin Vallette whose live auction item of a private dinner in Safari West's Founder's Home closed out the auction and evening. We are in gratitude to Peter and Nancy Lang, SWWF Board of Directors, Safari West and SWWF team members, and everyone who came out to support our programs. Thank you!
Click here to visit photos from our wild reception! https://boothpics.com/RL1S
Want to help?
We have volunteer committee member opportunities available.
Click the donate button on top of this website page and support our programs helping children in Sonoma/Napa and across the US in hospitals.
Contact Paula Johnson at paula@safariwestfoundation.org
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