December 23, 2024

Soroptimist Hosts Wine Tasting to Empower Women and Girls

An Afternoon of Wine, Community, and Empowerment

Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs celebrated its third annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser on December 14 at the Steele/Burnand Desert Research Center. This highly anticipated event drew strong community support, furthering the mission to uplift local women and girls through education and empowerment.

Photo Credit: Brooke Erinoff, owner of Infinite Exposures Photography LLC

Event Highlights

Guests were treated to an unforgettable afternoon featuring:

Curated Wine Selection: Acclaimed Napa-based wine broker Kimberly Jones showcased premium wines like Operation Dragoon and No Brainer, sharing her expertise and creating a lively atmosphere for wine lovers.

Gourmet Appetizers: A delicious array of sliders, quiche, shrimp, chicken skewers, brownies, and more, provided by Carlee’s with their signature commitment to fresh ingredients.

Live Music: Pianist Steve T Hunter entertained with a mix of holiday classics and timeless piano favorites.

Silent Auction & Raffle: Unique experiences and prizes included:

A seven-night stay in Park City, Utah
A wildlife safari for four
Golf packages at Rams Hill and de Anza
A wellness challenge at Yellow Woman Ranch
Exclusive experiences like a pottery lesson, curator tour, and more
Community Spirit

Miss Borrego Springs Pageant winners added a special touch, assisting with raffles and the silent auction. Guests eagerly participated in gift basket drawings, which featured an enticing mix of wine, food, gift certificates, and more.

Event co-chairs Anne Wermers and Gina Moran extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors, local businesses, and community members whose generosity made the event a resounding success.

Supporting Women and Girls

All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit programs like Live Your Dream, career mentorships, and scholarships for women with dependents pursuing their education. Since 1962, Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs has been a beacon of support for women and girls in the community.

Donate and Learn More

If you missed the event but still want to contribute, donations can be sent to:

Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs

P.O. Box 504, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

For more details, including a list of sponsors and donors, visit www.borregosoroptimist.com.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Holiday Memories at BSPAC

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A Charlie Brown Christmas piano concert with pianist, arranger, and conductor Steve Hunter at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on December 21 at 3 PM.

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ABF Photo Contest | Dec 10th Deadline!

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Enter the 20th Anniversary Photo Contest Anza-Borrego Foundation’s Photo Contest celebrates two decades of photography that helps reveal what most visitors never see. This milestone year honors the images that have captured the Park’s hidden moments—fleeting blooms, rare wildlife, dramatic weather, and the quiet details across 650,000 acres of desert terrain. Below is a simple overview of what participants can expect this year. For full details and to submit your photos, visit ABF’s website. Why the Contest Matters Showcases what is often missed in the Park’s vast, remote landscapes Highlights the biodiversity and resilience of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Helps people connect more deeply with the land through visual storytelling Why Photography Supports Conservation 65% of people are visual learners Visual content increases engagement by 94% Images are processed 60,000x faster than text—one photo can say what pages cannot Awards & Recognition (Full descriptions available on the ABF website) Best in Show: Ribbon + resort stay + dinner + ABF program Category Winners: Ribbons + ABF membership Honorable Mention & People’s Choice: Ribbon + gallery display Winning photos will be exhibited at the Borrego Art Institute in early 2026 2026 Categories People Enjoying the Park Animals of Anza-Borrego Desert Black & White Landscapes Nightscapes Plants New: Youth Category (high school and younger) Cell phone photographs accepted in all categories How to Enter (Round 1 Overview) Submit up to 10 photos Upload JPEG files under 5 MB Photos from any year are eligible All online entries considered for People’s Choice Judges select finalists to move to Round 2 (print submission) Deadline Submit your photos by December 10, 2025. Learn more, read the full rules, and enter online: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn more and enter at: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn More About Borrego Springs

December Art Classes at BAI

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A full month of creative workshops, hands-on learning, and holiday projects December at the Borrego Art Institute brings a full schedule of classes for all ages and skill levels—from drawing and sculpture to kids’ art, yarn-making, and an olive oil tasting at the ArtPark Café. Whether you’re a resident, seasonal visitor, or weekend explorer, Studio West offers plenty of ways to create, learn, and enjoy the season.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

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The Thanksgiving Eve Service brought the community together at Borrego Springs Community UMC for an evening centered on gratitude, reflection, and the shared bonds that carry Borrego Springs through each year. Guided by local clergy, and volunteers, the service offered a mix of music, readings, and stories that highlighted both faith and community care. Coming Together in Gratitude Pastor Mateo Mamea opened the service with a call to give thanks, setting the tone for an evening of reflection. Rev. Michael Plekon followed with the opening prayer, encouraging gratitude for daily blessings and the natural world that surrounds Borrego Springs. Readings, Music, and Reflections Scripture readings were shared by Cmdr. Dale Jones and Rev. David Madsen, with additional participation from Ellen Fitzpatrick. Pastor Mamea offered the homily, focusing on gratitude and living with intention. Music added depth and warmth to the service. Jennie and Gary Edwards performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the combined choir, directed by Jinny Perrin, contributed an uplifting anthem. Voices From the Community Martha offered stories about the Borrego Ministers Association—how it began, how it supports people in crisis, and why its work matters. Her remarks helped newcomers and longtime residents better understand the BMA’s role in meeting urgent needs throughout the year. Supporting Local Needs An offering was collected to support the ongoing work of the Borrego Ministers Association , which provides emergency assistance and support services for individuals and families in Borrego Springs.

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