Following a multi-year COVID-19 timeout, the Catalina Island Foundation has announced a resumption of its annual open-house fundraising event to benefit the Avalon Rotary Club and the Women’s Foundation of the Avalon schools
Spokesperson Clifford Hague said The Catalina Island Company, the Catalina Islander, and the Catalina Island Foundation are sponsoring the Holiday Open House at the Inn on Mt. Ada, Dec. 1.
“It has been several years since the last open house, and the sponsors felt it was a great time to bring Avalon residents together again,” said Hague.
According to Hague, “the Avalon Rotary Club does a lot of community service in Avalon with the motto ‘Service above Self’,” he said, and they “organize and sponsor the Interact youth leadership program at Avalon School, and provide scholarships for Avalon School graduates.”
He said, “the Women’s Forum is active in community service and has a girls’ mentorship program at Avalon School.”
Hague said the Catalina Island Foundation supports local community nonprofits and is focused on supporting the school and its students. One of its main programs is the Santa Catalina Island Fund, which supports college prep, SAT tutoring, and life skills instruction, enabling more than 200 of our Avalon kids to achieve their dream of a college education.
“Now with COVID largely in the rear-view mirror,” said Hague, the time is right to bring the community together for a good cause.
“Celebrating the holiday season, enjoying our community fellowship, and raising funds to support local nonprofits, including programs specifically benefiting Avalon School, are all great reasons to get together,” he said.
The Open House at Mt. Ada is to be held from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, December 1.
Hague said a popular local band, the Bierman Brothers, from Long Beach, will perform a holiday themed music set at the event.
The Bierman Brothers most recently performed on the Wrigley Stage in August and at the Catalina Island Museum as they welcomed guests to the lecture given by Alyssa Carson.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to bring everyone back together,” said Hague, “and do so for such a really good cause.”
Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus are confirmed, he said.
Special arrangements have been made for taxis to run from 1:30-6:30 pm at $2 each way, to and from the Plaza and the Inn during the event, he said.
Hague said the admission price is $10, and it includes cookies and beverages. Wristbands for admission will be available at the door, he said “though we encourage pre-purchase in the arcade (when a table is set up) or at the Love Catalina Visitor’s Center on the Green Pier.”
There will be multiple raffles and a silent auction during the event to raise funds and he said participants must be 14 years old or older to attend.
Lori Montgomery will be coordinating the cookie bakers. Please email her if you’d like to bake some cookies or snacks for the event (DaveLoriM@gmail.com), said Hague.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the event, please contact Cliff Hague (cliffrider@mac.com).
