One million dollars.
That is how much a local oil company, ERG, has pledged to give to the Dunes Center in Guadalupe.
This humongous gift was announced on the Saturday evening of June 3, at the nonprofit’s fourth annual fundraising garden party with a 1920s theme.
Did jaws drop? You bet they did.
Doug Jenzen, executive director of the Dunes Center, said that this was the most successful fundraiser they have ever had. Talk about an understatement!
The money will be used toward the renovation of the old Far Western restaurant building, just down the street, so that it can be an extension of the present Dunes Center. At last year’s fundraising garden party, the Minetti family gifted the Dunes Center with the building. Readers will recall that the Far Western moved to Old Orcutt sometime ago.
Alan White, ERG’s CEO, and Ben Oakley, the company’s government affairs manager, gave gala-goers the good news, which should have been preceded by trumpets blasting and kettledrums reverberating.
Among the crowd enjoying the proceedings were Dr. David and Twyla Olwin, Dr. Joe and Chris Slaughter, 3rd District County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, former mayor of Guadalupe Frances Romero, and Guadalupe Superintendent of Schools Ed Cora and his wife, Denice.
The Far Western provided appetizers. These included those tasty little frankfurter bites enclosed in a flaky puff pastry, skewers of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, and trays of cheese, fruit, and berries.
At the no-host bars, volunteers served up wine, beer, and custom libations made with gin or vodka. These latter drinks had names like “Bees Knees,” “Hibiscus Fizz,” and “Water Lily.” Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?
What has become a signature item at this gala is the make-your-own trail mix bar—a table set up with jars of granola, nuts, chocolate-covered raisins, chocolate-covered pretzels, biscotti, popcorn, and gourmet jelly beans. Guests fill up small paper bags that are provided and fasten them shut with a tiny clothes pin. Kids love this bar. Adults love it. I love it.
SLO’s Susan Devine was once again the spirited and delightful (and very good) auctioneer. The Tipsy Gypsies (also from SLO) provided the musical backdrop.
Volunteer Peter Zajak (from Nipomo) filled me in on the news concerning the exhibit of the excavated Ten Commandments artifacts. Just to refresh memories: An extensive excavation brought up plaster parts of a Sphinx used in the old, old, old movie set of The Ten Commandments—these are on display at the Dunes Center.
It is always a thrill to view these relics of Hollywood history. Peter said that since the showing of a documentary about the most recent excavation activity, the center’s visitors and interest in the exhibit have increased significantly.
In remarks made during the program, Superintendent Cora stressed the importance of the Dunes Center in educating kids about coastal biology and ecology, while Supervisor Joan Hartmann talked about the importance of the Dunes Center to Guadalupe’s economy.
The weather was not cooperative for this event. An overcast pearl gray sky shut out any warmth from the sun that may have existed, and you felt like fog was going to come barreling in at any moment and envelop the crowd. Despite the chilly night air, the garden patio was filled with the warmest of vibes on this very special and exciting occasion.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at column151@gmail.com.
This article appears in Jun 8-15, 2017.