On the road again for the 36th year, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s glamorous Spring Fling Gala, “Boots and Bling,” presented by Trixie’s Trust, unites animal-lovers for an evening of country dancing, dining and donating. The annual event, headed by Committee Co-Chairs Jamie Carr and Maytha Shaffer, welcomes guests to shine up their boots for a night of southern fun – including a special performance by Nashville-based artists Runaway June. The center’s most spectacular fundraiser is Saturday, June 8, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at La Valle Coastal Club, formerly Morgan Run, in Rancho Santa Fe and will be emceed by KUSI’s Mark Mathis and ABC’s 10’s Megan Parry, according to a news release.
Gala guests will start their evening immersed in a small-town saloon, mingling with four-legged fluffy VIPs, while enjoying a taste of country with Americana-inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and browsing enticing silent auction items.
Then saddle-up for a dinner of classic and innovative dishes. Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Spring Fling Gala is known for its 5-star dining experience which shines a spotlight on delectable tastings from San Diego’s top restaurants. Keeping with tradition, Committee Restaurant Chair Ann Dizney has secured an impressive restaurant lineup including fine-dining favorites: Amalfi Cucina Italiana, Beeside Balcony, Bluewater Boathouse, The Cottage, The Fish Market, Brickmans, La Valle Coastal Club, Poseidon on the Beach, Urban Plates and Solento Organic Tequila to name a few.
As the moon rises, guests will satisfy their taste buds with an assortment of sweet treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes, Sprinkles, Miss Shelly, Jimbos and Sugar & Scribe, as the bustling live auction begins. Exclusive items available for bidding include an Ultimate Maui Vacation, a Firehouse Dinner for Six, a Luxury Yacht Cruise for Eight, a VIP Padres package, a Girls Weekend in Orange County, and more.
Finally, the party really gets going as boots scoot to the tunes of country superstars Runaway June. The American chart-topping group is made up of Stevie Woodward (lead vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica, autoharp), Jennifer Wayne (guitar, vocals), and Natalie Stovall (guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, vocals). Signed in 2015, the group charted two singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts prior to their breakthrough hit “Buy My Own Drinks” in 2018.
Tickets for the 36th Annual Spring Fling Gala can be purchased at Silver, Gold and Platinum levels (ranging from $300 – $750 a ticket) with various special amenities included at each level. Platinum level seating includes a VIP experience with champagne and wine service, priority check-in/out, valet service, a table location, an exclusive VIP gift for each guest, and a special meet & greet with Nashville-recording artists Runaway June.
Tickets are still available. All proceeds go to the pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.animalcenter.org and click on Events, or Jessica Noble at 858-756-4117 x350 or [email protected].
