The San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm, a 20-acre farm in Alpine, is hosting its 11th annual fundraising gala at the Bahia Resort Hotel (998 W. Mission Bay Drive, 92109), Friday, Mar. 8 at 5:30 p.m. with “Disco Ball 2024” as the theme. The evening event is crucial to support the animal sanctuary’s on-going operations.
The pandemic and now the unprecedented inflation has taken a toll on the farm’s operations and on the founder’s ability to finance the farm’s deficit when visitors’ numbers are lower, and donations fluctuate. The evening will provide a much-needed influx in cash flow and allow the farm to continue major repairs, face medical emergencies and raise funds to finance Title 1 schools’ field trips to the farm. With the current financial crisis, the farm is no longer in the position of accepting new animals in need of a home, but the demand is high, and the team hopes it will be able to help again soon. To help with increasing feed cost and to increase revenues, the farm invested in its agricultural operations, which now produces food for its tortoises, pigs, and the San Diego community.
The last three years have been exceptionally challenging for the Farm, between the pandemic and the Valley Fire. However, inflation has proved to be the most difficult to overcome. There has been an increased cost for the animals’ feed, supplies, wages, as well as a dramatic increase in veterinary costs due to end-of-life care, surgeries, injuries, and illnesses. These unforeseen extra costs contributed to the depletion of the nonprofit’s reserves.
The nonprofit’s monthly operating budget climbed up to $60,000.00 in the last year; the bulk of the expenses being wages, feed, and veterinary costs. Due to these drastic challenges, the Farm recently had to lay off a third of its staff and hopes that donations, visits, and the annual fundraiser gala will help save this unique and magical place.
The Farm’s annual fundraiser is one way to help feed and care for hundreds of animals. Individual tickets for the event are $175. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://events.readysetauction.com/childrensnatureretreatfoundation/discoball2024.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the event will kick off with a cocktail reception, followed by a three-course gourmet dinner and dancing. Guests will also be able to participate in live and silent auctions. All money raised throughout the evening will support the Foundation’s mission, expanding their resources and farming operations. A fund-a-need will also raise restricted funds to help Title 1 schools fund their field trips to the farm.
Visits to the farm also help provide care and financial support to the Farm. SDASF is open seven (7) days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are senior, first responder, military, veteran, teacher and Alpine resident discounts. Single day admission is $40 for adults and $25 for kids (children under 2-years are free). Parking is complimentary. To buy tickets, visit www.SanDiegoAnimalSanctuaryandFarm.org/product-category/tickets.
For more information on the San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm, visit SanctuaryAndFarm.org or
call (619) 320-4942.
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