Returning home from the recent Russian Riverkeeper fundraiser, for the umpteenth time I wondered what exactly makes for a successful event. There was so much I appreciated about the Ripp’n River Bash. Let’s begin with the invitation — blue, white and black, the creative artwork screamed “river,” with a mission clearly stated front and center:
“The Russian River is the North Bay’s most important asset. Why?
Because our economy and quality of life depend on it
7 out of 10 jobs rely on a clean water supply
600,000 residents use its water
Over 1,000,000 visitors enjoy it each summer”
The copy on the invite went on to remind that in 1942 the river’s middle reach had 3,257 acres of active floodplain with many channels. Today, it has 807 acres and a single path, a virtual ditch.” It is imperative that we restore levees and acreage to the river, while keeping it clean for people and fish.
Since I live on the river, am devoted to it and to my son who sits on the board of the Russian Riverkeeper, I signed up. From the earliest emails reminding guests to wear shoes appropriate for a hike to the river, (i.e. fishy festive attire not black tie, as the price of admission might suggest) to the heartfelt, relevant speeches and kick up your heels dancin’, I was hooked.
If you haven’t visited Front Porch Farm, make it a priority. A magnificent polyculture defines this gorgeous property that backs up to the Russian River. Oysters paired with National Geographic 2013 Iron Horse Vineyards Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs were a delicious reminder of the sustainable theme. Jimtown’s Carrie Brown and catering director Barbara Hom personally greeted guests with an assortment of delicacies sourced from local farms.
This was the first time I’d seen artistically crafted dioramas depicting each live auction lot. Who wouldn’t want to take one of those home? With the sun dropping and dinner a 10-minute walk through row crops, the journey continued.
I was moved by speeches from Congressman Huffman and executive director of LandPaths Craig Anderson. They spoke of their love and respect for the river and how early exposure in their lives with grandparents began a lifelong commitment to protect this sacred resource. Thoughts of my young grandchildren and the many things they are already learning from the river resonated.
Later, in speaking with long time Riverkeeper executive director Don McEnhill, he stressed the importance of water preservation, citing innovative leaders such as Jackson Family Wines and Lagunitas as local companies in the forefront of water sustainability. Both are intensely focused on reducing the amount of water it takes to get wine and beer into the bottle. “Water left in the river instead of used for wineries helps with conservation,” said Don.
Don also cited Ridgely Evers and Colleen McGlynn of DaVero Farms and Winery as stewards of the land who have nurtured a once abused property into one of the healthiest parcels of soil in Dry Creek Valley. “Building soil health and fish friendly farming are great investments in the land and in business,” said Don.
So what makes a successful fundraiser — an event that raises as much awareness as funds to support the effort? For me, it was learning that money raised is focused on educational programs working with Santa Rosa Junior College and Healdsburg High School students to collect data to better direct the millions of dollars invested each year for salmon restoration.
These programs are spearheaded by local residents, farmers and our state and local government. Students study the habitat and access food production determining how much is available for the salmon. Our donations engage students with critical field biology, encouraging career pathways into salmon restoration. Money is also used to study nutrients, which are driving the toxic algae issue, and to advocate for an increased river floodplain, among numerous other projects.
Relevance for Today: The mission of the Russian Riverkeeper is to inspire the community to protect the Russian River forever. The health of the wine industry and the health of the river are intertwined. Sustainable farming produces better wine and a healthier environment. I’ll drink to that.
Marie Gewirtz can be found hanging with her mentors the Great Blue Heron and Snowy Egret on the banks of the Russian River. She can be reached at wi*******@so********.com.
