Please join us in celebrating the 40th Annual Mountain Affair at Highlands Park Senior & Community Center in Ben Lomond on Friday, October 24 from 6:30-9:30pm benefiting Mountain Community Resources.
The Mountain Affair brings community leaders together to build a strong valley community by supporting essential services at Mountain Community Resources. This festive annual event features fine cuisine, local wines, live music, and silent auction showcasing local valley businesses.
All proceeds support Mountain Community Resources (MCR) in providing a welcoming space for more than 1,200 San Lorenzo Valley residents to meet their basic needs and find hope for the future. Part of the Community Bridges Family Resource Collective, MCR helps individuals and families build safe, healthy, and compassionate communities through education, resources, and advocacy.
As the primary annual fundraiser for San Lorenzo Valley’s local family resource center, The Mountain Affair is an important community gathering that helps sustain our core programs, including weekly food distribution, mental health counseling, parent education workshops, health care enrollment, emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, housing navigation, and crisis support.
As the gateway to the broader Community Bridges network, Mountain Community Resources connects valley residents to additional essential programs like Early Education, WIC, Meals on Wheels, and Lift Line, ensuring children, families, and seniors receive the right support at the right time.
Sponsorship opportunities are available to raise funds for the event. Donating auction items is a great way to showcase your products while making a positive impact. Purchase tickets today to be part of this important community gathering. Contact donations@cbridges.org or 831-688-8840 ext. 205.
![[c]Virginia Sajan](https://communitybridges.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_4796-qvd2r6qcxjl1idpn475i3ekhpbfzwi4z1ry0d1oyo8.jpg)
![[c]Virginia Sajan](https://communitybridges.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_4839-qvd2t81rqmdenyr582uehw2g1demkw81butvsmo96w.jpg)
![[c]Virginia Sajan](https://communitybridges.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/DSC_4848-qvd2tbt4hyijyelom4gwrv4aeww3fomyodftpqioi0.jpg)
Carrying on three generations of local culinary tradition, Chef Marina Camarlinghi of Barbara & Company Catering will bring an Italian-inspired feast to the Mountain Affair’s 40th celebration. Known for her artistry in blending rustic flavors with refined presentation, Chef Marina has designed a multi-course menu crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from our local farms and producers. Each dish will be paired with wines from Alfaro Family Vineyards, highlighting the rich flavors of our region. Guests can look forward to a dining experience that is not only delicious but also a tribute to the land and community we share.
No Mountain Affair is complete without music to bring us together, and this year we are thrilled to welcome back a local favorite. Celebrated singer-songwriter Gary Blackburn will once again fill the redwoods with his signature blend of country, rock, folk, and blues — what he proudly calls “Americana with an Edge.” Gary’s soulful voice and heartfelt storytelling have made him a beloved performer throughout the Central Coast, and by popular demand, he returns to the Mountain Affair stage to help us celebrate 40 years of community. His set promises to keep the dance floor lively, the energy high, and the spirit of San Lorenzo Valley shining throughout the evening.
The Green Heart Award honors individuals whose compassion, resilience, and dedication help keep our valley strong. This year, we are proud to recognize Tonje Switzer as the 2025 recipient. When the CZU Fire tore through the San Lorenzo Valley, Tonje lost her own home — yet even in the face of personal loss, she turned outward to help others. From supporting evacuations to lending a hand in the long road of recovery and rebuilding, Tonje’s leadership and generosity embody the very best of community care. Her story is a reminder that the strength of our valley lies in the neighbors who show up for one another when it matters most. Join us in celebrating Tonje’s remarkable contributions and honoring her as this year’s Green Heart Award winner.
