The May 21 Cabrillo Under The Stars tasting event on a starlit Saturday was as successful in raising funds as it was magical in introducing guests to the national monument’s truly unique experience.

“We raised around $38,000,” said Emily M. Moore, executive director of the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, a nonprofit partnering with the National Park Service supporting Cabrillo National Monument at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive.

“We are proud to fund over 20 programs on an annual basis including junior ranger and free youth programs like Ecologik summer camp and Conservation + Comics. We also fund supplies to protect and preserve the native plants and species, and provide essential training and supplies for park volunteers, especially in the Rocky Intertidal Zone, known as the tidepools.”

For over 65 years, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation has funded park activities in park discovery, youth education, and volunteer support to protect and preserve Cabrillo National Monument and to enhance the visitor experience for generations to enjoy. Funding for these programs comes from the generosity of members and donors as well as proceeds from the park store, located in the visitor center. The park store carries interpretive and educational products that further the Cabrillo National Monument experience and can be found at cnmf.org.

The 21-plus age, May 21 fundraiser featured tasting stations from around San Diego County; an online auction showcasing the best of San Diego; Corks 4 Cabrillo, a fundraising wine pull with a multitude of wines ranging from $15-plus per bottle; and entertaining live music. Event sponsorships ranged from $500 to $5,000.
Tasting stations included refreshments served by Bay City Brewing, Trevi Hills Winery, and IZO Spirits, along with desserts provided by Cupcakes Squared, and Baron’s Market. Three main entrée stations prepared by the chefs at Wild Thyme Company offered tastes of Baja, Little Italy, and Santa Maria California Grill.

“This year, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation is raising funds for a new trail at Cabrillo National Monument,” noted Moore. “The new trail will start construction in fall and be completed in 2023. It will provide the first, safe pedestrian access from the upper part of the monument to the tidepools. We are excited for a new recreational and hiking opportunity for San Diegans and its visitors.”

Elizabeth Skinner, visitor services program manager and public information officer at CNF, discussed the significance of the Cabrillo fundraising event and the monument it supports.

“We’re the only national monument in San Diego,” said Skinner adding, “Fundraising is used to provide educational programs including free STEM summer day camps for girls 9-16. We’ve been able to move up the timeline for a future capital improvement project, a new trail from the upper monument to the tidepool area, which has undergone years of planning and a full environmental review.”

During the pandemic, Skinner said Cabrillo was able to introduce virtual programming to keep monument visitors engaged while the facility was physically closed. “Now we are doing in-person programming again,” she said adding fundraising efforts also supporting “bus transportation for underserved schools” to get to the park.

Skinner said Cabrillo’s goal is to “protect and preserve” the property for the future enjoyment of guests. “We want to protect the environment and the native species that are here,” she said adding the monument’s exhibits, its lighthouse, and everything else is open now “except the auditorium, which we’re hoping to reopen soon.”

Major funding for the new Cabrillo trail has come from the National Park Foundation, GRoW @grants@annenberg.com, and generous donors. The foundation is still actively fundraising. If interested in supporting this effort, visit cnmf.org or contact emily@cnmf.org.