Photos by David James Heiss
Guests could toss rings from a few feet away, to try and win a bottle of wine.
By David James Heiss
Redlands News Collective
Single-barrel shots of bourbon and line dancing made for a lively Boots & Bling scholarship fundraiser Saturday evening at The Gardens at Wild Oak Canyon on the southern outskirts of Redlands.
It was a late, late night for members of the Redlands Sunrise Rotary Club and their guests. Instead of their usual 6:45 a.m. breakfast meeting, attendees wrapped up the evening with a sit-down barbecue buffet catered by Hoodidaya Texas BBQ, served by Redlands Police Explorers, and topped off with handmade cupcakes crafted by Rotarian Meghan McCann.
Sunrise Rotary President Alicia Gyllenhammer sells cow chip bingo squares as Allie Oosten keeps an eye on Aster, the heifer whose job it was to do "business."
At a nearby corral, Aster, a 1-year-old Holstein heifer handled by San Jacinto Epic 4-H member Allie Oosten, lazed around and grazed on a chalk-outlined dirt checkerboard. Meanwhile, Rotary President Alicia Gyllenhammer sold "cow chip" squares, promising a payout to whoever claimed the lucky square where Aster eventually did her business.
When Aster finally obliged, the contest had raised $1,240—half benefiting Rotary’s fundraising causes and the remainder split between two winners.
Nearly 130 supporters attended the event, with tickets starting around $60. Guests received line-dancing lessons from Lieren King, owner of The Looking Glass Studio in Redlands, tossed rings to win bottles of wine, and danced to live music by regional band The Marvels.
Dozens of items and gift baskets were also displayed for opportunity drawings, with all proceeds benefiting Rotary’s scholarship programs and initiatives in literacy, peace, environmental stewardship, and disease prevention.
Cheers!
Sunrise Rotarian Micah White serves $20 sample pours from a curated lineup of whiskeys and bourbons.
Over at his tasting booth, Sunrise Rotary member Micah White offered guests sample pours from a curated lineup of whiskeys and bourbons—several of which he picked up while touring Kentucky distilleries, a passion he developed during the pandemic.
Video by David James Heiss
Members of The Marvels, performing at The Gardens at Wild Oak Farms.
Local business owner Megan Jewett, of Redlands, donated a Pilates-themed basket for the drawing. Owner of State Street Pilates, Jewett included gift cards for studio sessions, a tumbler, an insulated cup, and socks "for when the winner starts their Pilates journey." She was accompanied by her husband, Matt, and her parents, Bruce and Virginia.
"We looked forward to meeting people and having a good time and good food for a good cause," Jewett said. "We’ve enjoyed the positive spirit. My mom appreciates the fact that it’s a nice event that gives back. It’s good for everyone."
As opportunity drawings were announced, members of Citrus Valley High School’s Interact Club delivered prizes to winners.
Crestline resident Dara Mendola said the evening exceeded her expectations.
"I didn’t know what to expect because of the theme, but it’s been super fun and a beautiful setting," Mendola said. "It was well put together."
Mendola took home a hair styling and makeup gift basket, delivered directly to her table by Citrus Valley High School Interact Club members.
Editor’s note: David James Heiss is a member of the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Rotary Club.