Jack London State Partners, the group set to begin operating the Glen Ellen park in May, will throw a celebratory fundraiser April 29 at the nearby Benziger Family Winery.
The evening event features a wine tasting in the cave, live music, a raffle of large format Imagery and Benziger wines, appetizers by Olive and Vine, and a silent auction of outdoor adventures, all from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The group’s newly named executive director, Tjiska Van Wyk, will share her plans for the park. A specialist in cause marketing, she has lead successful campaigns for Sierra Club, Earthjustice, San Francisco Zoological Society, and many others.
“We welcome the energy and vision of Ms. Van Wyk ” says Elisa Stancil, vice president of Valley of the Moon Natural History Association (VMNHA). Jack London Park Partners is the special project within VMNHA dedicated to park operation and stewardship.
The operational shift from State Parks to a non-profit is the first in California history.
“It’s a new day, and through innovative partnerships and skilled leadership VMNHA plans to bring vitality and joy to Beauty Ranch,” Stancil said.
The event celebrates the relationships with other agencies and non-profits that made the new contract possible. “We could not have done it without the power of partnerships,” Stancil said.
Working with the Parks Alliance, California State Parks Foundation, and State Park staff among others, said VMNHA President Greg Hayes, “our board has done all we can to create blue skies ahead for Jack London State Historic Park.”
The partnership works both ways. The VMNHA offers ongoing volunteer and interpretive work in Sugarloaf Ridge and Annadel State Parks. Sixty new volunteers will graduate from the training this month, Hayes said.
Tickets to the April 29 event are $40 and include music by Sue Albano in the Winery Barn, solos al fresco by Stephan Stubbins, of the Transcendence Theatre Company, appetizers by Olive and Vine and Benziger wines. The winery is located at 1884 London Ranch Road in Glen Ellen. Order at Jacklondonpark.org.
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