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The 40th Annual Mountain Affair

A Celebration of San Lorenzo Valley community

Thank you for joining us at the 40th Annual Mountain Affair at Highlands Park Senior & Community Center in Ben Lomond. It was a wonderful evening of connection, celebration, and community spirit—all benefiting Mountain Community Resources (MCR).

Together, we raised critical funds to support essential services that strengthen families and uplift our San Lorenzo Valley neighbors. From food distributions and counseling to housing navigation, parent education, and disaster recovery, your generosity ensures that more than 1,200 local residents each year have a trusted place to turn when times get tough.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and sponsored this milestone event. Your support keeps our community strong and ensures that MCR can continue building safe, healthy, and compassionate mountain communities for generations to come.

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors and Partners

Event Sponsors: Abbot’s Thrift • Felton Veterinary Hospital • Liberty Bank • Santa Cruz Community Health • Santa Cruz Moose Lodge • Ken Meshke & Barbara Sprenger of Satellite Telework Centers • Wedeen Hammer Locatelli Group

Media Partners: Lookout Santa Cruz • Press Banner • Santa Cruz Voice

Wine Sponsors: Alfaro Family Vineyards • Armitage Winery • Kissed by an Angel Wines • Tere Carrubba • Cathe Race • Ray & Trisha Cancino

Thank you for helping us celebrate 40 years of community resilience.
Learn more about our ongoing work and how you can stay involved at communitybridges.org/mcr.

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A Feast Worth Celebrating

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.

Music Among the Redwoods

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.

Honoring Our Green Heart

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.

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Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad

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Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad
This Independence Day, we celebrate the strength of community, democracy, and our shared responsibility to care for one another. 🇺🇸At Community Bridges, we believe thriving communities are built when everyone has access to nutritious food, quality early education, transportation, family support, and opportunities to succeed.As we celebrate our nation's ideals, let's also recommit to building a future where every neighbor feels seen, supported, and connected.From all of us at Community Bridges, we wish you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Da#CommunityBridgesi#PuentesDeLaComunidada#IndependenceDaye#fourthofjulyu#community##democracy##SharedResponsibilityo#santacruzcountyC#montereycountye#TogetherWeThriveerWeThrive ... See MoreSee Less

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The Bridge Builders Circle is more than monthly giving.It’s a community of neighbors who care deeply about the Central Coast and are taking action to strengthen it together.As a Bridge Builder, you’ll receive invitations to relaxed gatherings throughout the year—spaces where supporters connect, hear from program leaders, and see how Community Bridges programs are supporting families across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.These gatherings are intentionally welcoming and community-centered, creating opportunities to meet fellow Bridge Builders and celebrate what consistent generosity makes possible.Because when generosity brings people together, it builds something powerful.Learn more and join the Bridge Builders Circle:communitybridges.org/monthly/ ... See MoreSee Less

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We will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume regular operations on Monday, July 6.As you celebrate, please help keep our community safe: ✨ Follow local fireworks laws.🧒 Keep children and pets away from fireworks.💧 Have a bucket of water or hose nearby.❤️ Celebrate responsibly and look out for one another.From all of us at Community Bridges, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July!#CommunityBridges #PuentesDeLaComunidad #fourthofjuly #IndependenceDay ... See MoreSee Less

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For 17 years, Lisa Hindman Holbert has helped ensure that young children across Santa Cruz County have access to safe, nurturing, and high-quality early education. 💚📚As Director of Community Bridges’ Early Education Division, Lisa has led with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to children, families, educators, and the broader community. Her leadership has strengthened classrooms, supported teachers, expanded opportunities for families, and helped create learning environments where children can grow, explore, and thrive.We are deeply grateful for Lisa’s 17 years of dedicated service to Community Bridges and to the families who depend on affordable, high-quality child care. Her work has made a lasting impact on our programs, our staff, and the children whose futures are brighter because of her care, vision, and commitment.Lisa will be leaving Community Bridges in July to join the Cabrillo College education team, where she will continue supporting education and opportunity in our community. Please join us in thanking Lisa for her dedication, leadership, and 17 years of service. 🌟As we look ahead, Community Bridges remains committed to providing affordable, high-quality early education for local children and families. We are seeking our next Early Education Division leader, and this is a meaningful opportunity for someone who is passionate about affordable child care, early learning, and advancing opportunities for families across Santa Cruz County.✨ Are you a leader who wants to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Apply today at: communitybridges.org/careers#CommunityBridges #EarlyEducation #SantaCruzCounty #ChildCare #EarlyLearning ... See MoreSee Less

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Celebrating 50 Years of Support

Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.

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