When the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation Inc. puts on a
fundraiser, the whole Valley pays attention. They remember that for
decades the members they have and had made wonderful things happen for our
youth. It was the Elks Queen events that have always supported our young people
in every possible way. They built tennis courts at every elementary school, and
also the high school swimming pool and have continued to provide many
improvements and athletic supplies to them. Ball fields appeared at Solvang and
Santa Ynez schools, and various improvements and equipment went to Jonata and Los Olivos schools.
The little red
schoolhouse in Ballard has playground equipment and ball fields because of these
Youth Rec. programs. They helped build the YMCA, the skate board park,
Where does
their money come from? From the pockets of the residents of this Valley who
contribute with a caring and loving heart. They reflect the true essence of
this Valley.
There
was an amazing turnout of ladies for their luncheon at Gainey
Vineyard to raise funds to support the Valley’s Queen candidate
Samantha Garley. While we dined in the grassy
courtyard shaded by a giant tent, a lively fashion shop passed by, tempting
everyone to head to local clothing stores for a shopping spree.
This was
followed by a live auction called by Kenny Hollister. His late-father, Charley,
was also an auctioneer and did many local auctions free of charge, to help
non-profit organizations be able to give their gifts to the Valley. There were
almost one hundred tempting items offered and bidding was brisk. The event was
a whopping success garnering a record amount.