ANNUAL REPORT 2012 - San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy

Development and Membership
The Official Celebration of 25 Years of Watershed Moments
The Conservancy’s significant milestone—25 years—
was aligned with the organization’s greatest
opportunity yet: The Campaign for Gateway Park.
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy obtained a loan to
purchase the Gateway property on December 27, 2011,
securing a coastal parcel of 3.44-acres against decades
of commercial development proposals and story
poles. Within months, staff and committee developed
core messages and outreach materials, launching the
fundraising campaign to permanently acquire
the property.
With the Gateway property secure, but not yet saved,
the Conservancy held a Lagoon Platoon community
restoration event on Earth Day at the site to remove
the invasive Garland daisy. In Fall, we participated
in Solana Beach Arts Alive, featuring the work and
donated proceeds of 10 local artists. By year-end, the
Campaign generated $1,195,000 in gifts and pledges
from 781 donors.
Champagne toasts: The first celebration at Gateway Park in January 2012
Front: Ilse Epprecht; L–R: David and Denise Stillinger, Janie DeCelles, and
Elizabeth Venrick; Back: Renita Greenberg
President’s Council
The mission of the President’s Council is to provide support necessary for the Conservancy to maintain a continued
existence with the help of endowment income. The year 2012 ushered the largest growth in new President’s Council
members, thanks to the outreach efforts of its chairperson, Daniel Powell. We welcomed: Chris and Julie Cabou, Janie
DeCelles, James Dietz, Pollie Gautsch & Darryl Matsui, Joe & Mary Kellejian, Gary Martin & Nancy Brown, and Fred &
Jean Sebold.
Legacy Circle
Our Legacy Circle donors are individuals who have generously included the Conservancy in their estate plans; 24 special
gifts that will help support conservation in perpetuity. Patty Cornelius joined the Conservancy’s Legacy Circle in 2012.
President’s Council and Legacy Circle donors are treated to a private Spring Wildflower Walk and Fall Bird Walk followed
by a picnic reception in the Reserve.
Major Donor Reception
With the launch of The Campaign for Gateway Park, the
Conservancy increased its support base of major donors and
general membership by 25% in 2012. In October, members Julie
and Chris Cabou hosted the Major Donor Reception at their
home overlooking Gateway Park. Major donors were entertained
by a live harpist and a 25th Anniversary commemorative video.
Major Donor Reception In-kind Services:
• We Saved a Place for You, pro-bono video by Lyon
& Associates Creative Services, Inc., with musical
accompaniment composed and donated by Rob Gironda.
• Photography was provided courtesy of Jennifer Nelson
on behalf of Ranch & Coast Magazine.
Hosts of the 2012 Major Donor Reception: Julie and Chris Cabou
Photo: Janine Free
As ambassadors for the Conservancy, Board of Directors members represented in key community outreach events in
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach, and quarterly Family Discovery Days at the Nature Center.
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy | Annual Report 2012 | Page 12