I have heard from a couple of people that they are burned out on virtual events.  I know, I know.  But don’t forget that every nonprofit is struggling to keep the doors open and their work going, so your generosity, not only by participating, but also by donating, is important!  So, with that in mind, I want to tell you a bit about our virtual fundraiser coming up on August 27^th:

Stewart Udall Legacy

Community Conservation Celebration

My pledge to you:  it’s going to be fun, heart lifting, community oriented and hopeful!  There will be some fun pre-event entertainment starting at 7 pm, and then the program starts at 7:30 and will be over by 8:15 pm.  Zippity doo dah.  No fooling around.  But you won’t notice how swiftly it goes by, as you’ll be mesmerized by the great content of the evening.  Trust me!

Here’s what you do:  go to sfct.org/events/ccc-udall to get your $5 access pass.  We’ll send you a link to the live-streamed event that you can tune into on August 27^th on your phone, computer or cast to your TV.

The pre-event festivities feature two delectable dinner take outs, if you choose, from Cowgirl or the Rio Chama.  There’s a delicious wine package you can get from La Casa Sena Wine Shop.  You can learn how to make your own Cowgirl Cocktails if you need something stronger.  Watch Alex Honnold’s TEDtalk on rock climbing.  Listen to local musicians Jono Manson or Indigie Femme.  Hear an original song (well sort of) sung by local kids who love us.   Plus there will be some surprise guests.  It is going to be a nice pre-party!

Then, the event begins at 7:30, hosted by City Councilwoman Renee Villarreal.  A moving and uplifting exchange between Sen. Tom Udall and Terry Tempest Williams shares what gives them hope in these troubled times.  A link to their full discussion will be made available for each guest.

Also, we decided to let our stakeholders be the ones to talk about our work.  You’ll see how our conservation, trails and community programs make such a huge impact in protecting our environment, getting you out in nature and helping you cope with the coronavirus.  And then, I am going to ask you to support our work.

You and the rest of the community can support us by participating in our live paddle raise.  It’ll be fun!  Once you get your $5 access pass, we ask that you register for the paddle raise.  Then you and all the other online participants can donate to help us reach our $50,000 goal.  All donations will be doubled up to $25,000!

Why do we need your support?  Because the City of Santa Fe, due to its projected $80 million deficit, canceled our trails maintenance contract.  So now we need to fund the trails program into the future with your generous donations.  Our care of the 55 miles of trails in Santa Fe that are hopefully helping you cope during the pandemic, is now going to be done on a pro bono basis by SFCT.

Why do we need your support?  Because everyone needs nature, and our community programs focus on equity and inclusion to be sure that no one is left inside.

So, let’s show the world what a great virtual event can be!  Join us on August 27^th by getting your $5 access pass at sfct.org/events/ccc-udall, and don’t forget to register while you are there for the paddle raise to help us meet our $50,000 challenge.  See you on the 27^th!