Celebrate the region’s wildlife and wild places, the 16th Annual Ojai WILD! will take place 4-7:30 p.m., Sunday, June 2 as a benefit for Los Padres ForestWatch at The Thacher School’s Pavilion Lawn in Ojai.
The event raises funds for the protection of wild lands and wildlife in the Los Padres National Forest, and will mark the 20th anniversary of Los Padres ForestWatch.
Ojai WILD! is Ventura County’s longest-running fundraiser for land and wildlife conservation. More than 300 conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and community leaders will enjoy an afternoon that includes with local wines, craft brews, dinner, and silent and live auctions.
The live auction features a week-long stay in an oceanfront estate on Mexico’s Riviera complete with private chef; a week-long retreat in Playa Grande, Costa Rica; a week-long beach stay-cation in Ventura; a private flight in a World War II P51 Mustang plane; a four-night stay at a remote Sespe Eco-Retreat; and a mountain getaway at an upscale cabin in Lake Arrowhead.
The silent auction will offer more than 100 items sch as outdoor gear from REI, one-of-a-kind works of art by Robert Gunderman, Chris Burkard, and other talented artists; and unique items from some of the region’s top restaurants, shops, and travel destinations.
Proceeds from the event benefit Los Padres ForestWatch, a local nonprofit organization with a mission to protect wildlife, wilderness, water, and sustainable access throughout the Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument through education, advocacy, and when necessary, legal action for the benefit of our communities, climate, and future generations. To learn more about their work visit lpfw.org.
Tickets for the afternoon are $200; tables for eight can be reserved for $1,600. Reservations may be made at OjaiWild.org, or call Camden Gustason, 805-617-4610 ext 4.