Puppy Overload Lands at the Helen Woodward Animal Center

52 puppies arrived from Houston last Friday to alleviate some of the strain on animal rescue organizations after September 2017’s Hurricane Harvey caused a terrible blow to Texas.

These furry friends have had their medical checks and are awaiting adoption at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, California. As you can imagine, things are a bit crowded with this much cuteness at once. 11 of the puppies are ready for adoption NOW.

ADDRESS:

Helen Woodward Animal Center – 6523 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Our normal main entrance on El Apajo Road is closed due to construction, please use the Helen Woodward Way address above.

The Beach and Country Guild has been raising money for one reason and one reason ONLY for over forty years. That reason is UCP San Diego. The all volunteer group has been throwing an annual ladies’ luncheon in a variety of formats for the sole benefit of the San Diego chapter of United Cerebral Palsy. On Wednesday, March 9th, the organization welcomed their new members who will continue the legacy of the only charity whose sole focus is UCP in San Diego.

(click to see larger photo)

2016 Board of Directors, Beach and Country Guild

2016 President, Colleen Guerra

New Member Chair, Ilene Lamb

In the beginning, the Beach and Country Guild members would get together to play cards and have a light lunch at one of the home of the ladies in Rancho Santa Fe calling this event Dia Del Sol, while bringing the cause to the social circle of the ladies in order to raise a few dollars to aid the facilities. Later, the luncheons would incorporate the event into a grand estate tour of some of the great properties of the area. The undertaking of the event would require many more Guild members and volunteers as they added a fully plated luncheon and runway fashion show to entertain the generous guests. Nordstrom would become a major sponsor of the event for years to come.

The last five years proposed yet another change, the Beach and Country Guild would find itself struggling to find an exquisite, grand private estate to host the incredible and one-of-a-kind event forcing the organization to move to public venues such as the Grand Del Mar. This has created much less need for so many volunteers and hands on deck the day of the event leaving the focus to creating a great experience for guests to learn about the programs and good works of United Cerebral Palsy in San Diego.

The Beach and Country Guild has also added one additional event to their annual roster which happens in May of each year, The Regale In The Ranch, which again will be hosted by Michael & Ilene Lamb at their estate in Rancho Santa Fe. More details for the Beach & Country Guild events can be found at their website, www.beachandcountry.org

Once again the art of fashion took over the Inn of Rancho Santa Fe in all it’s glory with the signature, giant tents on the front lawn of the historic location. This annual event always brings out the fashionistas of San Diego’s high society, but missing this year was one familiar and distinguished woman, Sally B. Thornton. Her presence was certainly missed as I scanned the row of San Diego’s “Grande Dames of Philanthropy”, where Sally and friends, Phyllis Parrish, Sandra Redman, Leonard Simpson and others always had prime viewing. The Country Friends offered a lovely tribute about their friend and longtime supporter of 40 years.

Click any photo to see the larger version — P.S. Check out the ratio of blondes to brunettes. 😉 I’m only one of a half dozen!

The Ladies

Sophia Approves

Champagne for all!

Grande Dames of San Diego Philanthropy, Phyllis Parrish, Sandra Redman

Sarah Sleeper, Sophia Alsadek, Marie Daniels, Carrie Woodland

Maggie Bobileff, Mia Stefanko

Carrie Woodland, Sophia Alsadek, Alchera Ayaad

Kimberly Hunt, Denise Hug, Maggie Bobileff

Miriam Smotrich

With the champagne reception located on the upper lawn under the canopy of trees, ladies perused the boutique pop-ups, gathered and took photos in front of the step and repeat and toasted with flowing champagne whilst standing on tiptoes so as not to sink their stilettos into the grass. This year seemed especially obstacle-ridden with the giant tree roots out to sabotage the group of spiked heel, well coiffed, purse carrying, Champagne sipping, fashion aficionados.

The annual event which features a full runway show from South Coast Plaza couture boutiques is certainly a one-of-a-kind event for San Diego.

The Shoes

The Fashion

The Models… a job well done.

Grande Dames of San Diego Philanthropy, Phyllis Parrish, Sandra Redman

The Media Area… must have missed the memo 😉

on a personal note

If you are a fashion lover and have not been to the Art of Fashion which benefits the Country Friends organization located in the center of Rancho Santa Fe, this is truly an event that should be on your bucket list. Not only is the fashion show quite a production but it supports an organization who has been doing good for the community for so long. The Country Friends also has an incredible consignment shop in the center of Rancho Santa Fe that contributes to its causes. The Country Friends donates their proceeds from their events and their consignment shop to a plethora of needy causes throughout San Diego. The event always falls on a wonderfully, beautiful day on the steps of an historic landmark of San Diego and is filled with plenty of laughs, champagne toasts and beautiful clothes.