Butterfly Ball Raises $20,000

Written by Estero Bay News

October 24, 2024

SLO City Manager Whitney McDonald, SLO City Council Member Emily Francis, Community Engagement Lead for Even Keel Wind June McIvor, SLO City Council Member Andy Pease, State Assembly member Dawn Addis, Founding Executive Director Julie Packard, Morro Bay Councilmember and CA Assembly District Representative Jennirfer Ford,Senator John Laird

Photos by Dean Sullivan

The Central Coast State Parks Association’s 5th Annual Butterfly Ball was a remarkable success, uniting our community at the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo to celebrate environmental leadership and raise funds for the Western Monarch and CCSPA, organizers said. 

Guests enjoyed an evening filled with music, a virtual reality experience from State Parks, delicious food and drinks, and inspiring presentations and awards. Dressed in their finest greens and golds, attendees came together to raise an impressive $20,000. With the matching contribution from the California State Parks Foundation, this fundraising effort transformed the event into a tremendous success! The funds will support the restoration of essential fencing at Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove, a vital habitat for monarch butterflies, and will enhance CCSPA programs that connect people to State Parks and bring State Parks to our community.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of exceptional leaders in environmental conservation. Julie Packard received the John Laird Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding leadership at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, while Barbara Hagerty was honored with the Metamorphosis Award for her dedicated volunteer efforts in State Parks. 

Adding to the inspiration were 12 young environmental leaders from 10 of San Luis Obispo’s environmental non-profits, who were celebrated with CCSPA’s newest honor, the Young Leaders in Conservation Award. 

“Created by CCSPA’s new Executive Director, Sierra Emrick, herself a young leader, the award recognizes the dedication of these changemakers under 30, who were nominated for their resilience, versatility, and passion,” a news release says. “They truly embody the bright future of conservation in our community.”

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