The San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm, a 20-acre farm in Alpine, is hosting its 12th annual fundraising gala at the Bahia Resort Hotel (998 W. Mission Bay Drive, 92109), Friday, Mar. 21 with “Back to the 80s” as the theme. The evening event is crucial to support the animal sanctuary’s on-going operations and allows the farm to continue caring for more than 200 rescued animals. Attendees are encouraged to “Dress to Impress in Your 80s Best!”
The Farm will host Lindsey Peña of ABC 10News as the evening’s emcee. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the event will kick off with a cocktail reception, followed by a three-course gourmet dinner with wine, 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.
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 last four 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 chronic illnesses. These unforeseen extra costs contributed to the depletion of the nonprofit’s reserves.
The nonprofit’s regular monthly operating budget climbed to close 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 three team members and hopes that donations, visits, and the annual fundraiser gala will help save this unique and magical place.
To make matters worse, the Farm is being sued by another local Alpine sanctuary on a frivolous lawsuit, a copyright infringement over its name. Among other demands, they request the Farm to stop using their San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm name, after the Farm has been using it for the last two years, following a public social media vote. This litigation is also causing unnecessary legal costs.
The Farm’s annual fundraiser is one way to help feed and care for hundreds of animals. Individual tickets for the event are $195 and VIP tickets are $295, with first row seating. For more information and to buy tickets, call (619) 320-4942 or visit https://events.readysetauction.com/childrensnatureretreatfoundation/backtothe80sgala.
The evening will provide a much-needed influx in cash flow and allow the farm to continue major repairs, 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. 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.
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 is senior, first responder, military, veteran, teacher and Alpine resident discounts. You can become a member for the day at $40 for adults and $25 for children (children under 2-years are free). There are other membership options available. 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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