SAN DIEGO – (June 12, 2013) – Ranch & Coast, known as San Diego’s ultimate lifestyle magazine, celebrated its “Readers’ Choice Best of San Diego 2013” recently with an exclusive party held at the 40,000-square-foot hanger of venue host Schubach Aviation, San Diego’s leading private air charter firm based at Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, Calif. Other event partners included John Matty Co., Redfearn & Associates, The Menashe Morley Group, Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover Carlsbad, Laura Barry of Barry Estates, Raphael’s Party Rentals, PEP Creative, Lounge Appeal, and Event Booth Rentals.
All proceeds benefited Shelter to Soldier, a local San Diego nonprofit organization that rescues dogs and trains them to become service companion dogs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental disabilities. Through a live auction, silent auction, an opportunity drawing and ticket sales, the event raised more than $16,000 for the organization.
Ranch & Coast’s editor-at-large and former television anchorwoman Andrea Naversen served as the evening’s emcee and introduced Graham Bloem, founder of Shelter to Soldier, who educated guests about the alarming number of adoptable dogs that are being euthanized in shelters today, as well as the number of U.S. veterans that are returning from combat duty with severe mental disabilities that put them at high risk for suicide.
“We’re immensely honored to have been the beneficiary of such an incredible event, and to have had the opportunity to tell people about our vital mission,” said Bloem. “Each year, seven million dogs enter shelters, and many are euthanized. Meanwhile, one in five military personnel returning from Iraq or Afghanistan has PTSD, and every day a U.S. soldier commits suicide. Many of these soldiers would greatly benefit from having a service dog to help them cope with daily life, but a new Department of Veterans Affairs policy that went into effect last September denies benefits to veterans in need of service dogs. Shelter to Soldier is filling this void by saving lives, two at a time, and we’re very grateful for the community’s support.”
As living testimony to the success so far of Shelter to Soldier’s program, special guests at the event were Corporal James Norvell, a combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps who suffered a traumatic brain injury from an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan; and Ty, a beautiful Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees mix that was specially trained by Bloem to help calm Norvell’s anxiety, give him confidence in public, and "watch his six." Norvell’s injury caused loss of hearing in his right ear, light sensitivity, migraine headaches, insomnia, and hypervigilence. After nine months of intense training, Ty went home to live with Norvell and his family on May 21st and has already made a world of difference in Norvell’s ability to cope and converse with the public.
The soiree was attended by more than 300 guests who came to experience a fusion of award-winning tastes, sights and sounds and to support a worthy cause. The impressive lineup of culinary partners included Pamplemousse Grille, The Fish Market, Burlap, Market Restaurant & Bar, The Marine Room, Pacifica Del Mar, Cafe Secret, Waters Fine Catering, Pacific Coast Grill, Del Mar Rendezvous, Stone Brewing Co., Nobleza Azul Tequila and Venom Vodka. Guests were entertained by the Grammy award-winning Fuzzy Rankins Quartet. Adelaide’s served as the floral partner.
Guests were invited to board several of Schubach Aviation’s luxury private jets that surrounded the hangar entrance, including a Gulf Stream IV. Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover Carlsbad provided an exhibit of luxury automobiles, featuring an F-Type Jaguar.
Close to 50 local San Diego companies donated items to the live and silent auctions, opportunity drawing and gift bags. Among the most coveted items were a string of pearls necklace, donated by the John Matty Co.; a two-night hotel stay with breakfast for two, choice of a round of golf or spa treatment for two, and champagne upon arrival, donated by The Grand Del Mar; and a round-trip for four to Santa Barbara aboard a luxury private aircraft, donated by Schubach Aviation, coupled with lunch for four, two 50-minute spa treatments, two recreational activities of choice, and wine tasting for four, donated by Santa Barbara’s luxurious Bacara Resort & Spa.
Mia Stefanko, editor of Ranch & Coast, along with publisher Bob Stefanko, coordinated all the donated items, together with the many party details.
“All of us at Ranch & Coast are thankful to those who attended our Best of San Diego party at Schubach Aviation, and helped us celebrate our Best of San Diego and Best Restaurant winners,” said Mia Stefanko. “We’re especially grateful to the many companies and organizations that stepped up to the plate to help support Shelter To Soldier. We’re fortunate to live in a community that not only offers an unparalleled lifestyle, but also one that is so giving to those in need.”
About Schubach Aviation:
Schubach Aviation is San Diego’s most experienced, locally based charter aircraft carrier, providing the corporate community and leisure travelers with private aircraft charters to anywhere in the world. Founded in 1992 by Henry Schubach, the firm employs a team of 35 highly experienced pilots, mechanics, and support staff at 2026 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad, Calif. and at Lindberg Field in downtown San Diego. More information about the company can be found on the web at www.schubachaviation.com.
