Live Auction Preview for Eco-Alianza’s 14th Anniversary GALA

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 HOTEL LA MISION
ECO-ALIANZA’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA CELEBRATING
14 YEARS OF CONSERVATION!

We are honored that many of you will be joining us on November 13 and are grateful for your attendance and support.  We are excited that this year’s event returns to the fabulous ballroom of the Hotel La Misión to include cocktails, appetizers and gourmet Mexican cuisine by the talented chefs of La Misión.

Your friendship and support continue to make our work possible, improving the environmental education of local youth, the result of which will continue for years to come!

This year provides a new opportunity for those of you who are unable to join us! We invite you to submit your minimum and maximum bid by Proxy in writing to Board Treasurer, Linda Kinninger – email: lindaakinninger@gmail.com or Kathy Mitchell candkmitchell@att.net, Board Secretary, who will be pleased to participate as your in personal representatives by using your dedicated paddle # during the Live Auction. We will advise you of the results within three days of the event.

If this is your wish, please write directly to Linda or Kathy with your instructions by November 11.

After a long, hot summer in Loreto, temperatures have dropped just in time for our celebration. Our Silent Auction begins at 5:30 in air-conditioned splendor in the magnificent Ballroom on the 5th Floor of Hotel La Mision, Loreto. Artwork, unique items, services, and experiences will be up for Live Auction bidding shown below.

Our 14th Anniversary GALA is also our only dedicated fundraising event of the year. So, at the request of many supporters who are not yet in town, we’re providing a way for friends to embrace this fundraising effort from afar. Through Friday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, any Eco-Alianza friend or supporter can submit a free, confidential proxy bid on Live Auction items to lindaakinninger@gmail.com, Board Treasurer, or Kathy Mitchell at candkmitchell@att.net to www.ecoalianzaloreto.org.

Eco-Alianza does not conduct any year-end holiday appeal, nor waste paper and postage on mailed solicitations, nor do we fill your email inbox with requests. We recognize that not everyone can be here, so if you have to miss the GALA, we encourage you to consider supporting the event with a tax-deductible donation.

This year the event will especially benefit our expanding environmental education programs, as well as our programs of water monitoring, marine conservation, sea turtle protection, international scientific cooperation in partnership with the UC Natural Reserve System.

Hotel La Misión Loreto has always given tremendous support to Eco-Alianza, and for this we are grateful.

You will have all the comforts of home when you stay in this peaceful and comfortable two-story boutique hotel with a tranquil setting. With everything close by, you are walking distance from The Plaza, Marina, shopping and beaches! You will enjoy the intimate sitting areas on the patio or terrace under the mango trees after a day of sightseeing. Breakfast at Orlando’s Restaurant nearby is included plus a boat trip to beautiful Coronado Island.

Thank you, Liz Ramirez!

This spectacular image of a recent lightning strike over Isla Coronado, depicts the power of Mother Nature as electricity bursts from the clouds. This shot of the strike, is so clearly reflected off the Sea of Cortez making it both alarming yet so captivating!! Presented as a 30 x 60-inch gallery wrap that will enrich any décor!

Thank you, Richard Jackson Photo Gallery!

3. Saddling South – Day Ride for Two – Value $200

Experience the life on the ranchos like never before! You will enjoy trail riding while visiting ranchos and villages learning the history and traditions of Old California in the hills of the Sierra de la Giganta. Let experienced guides take you into the spectacular mountains of ANTIGUA CALIFORNIA. Riding through colorful cactus gardens, valleys and into lush palm springs you’ll meet some of the wonderful local folks of the remote ranches of Baja.

Thank you, Trudi Angell

4. Two-Night Stay at Costanoa Eco-Lodge – Value $550

From the endless hiking and biking trails, kayaking, horseback riding, or taking a yoga class, Costanoa Coast Lodge has an adventure for everyone. This eco-resort is surrounded by acres of undisturbed wilderness, rolling coastal hills, and secluded beaches on California’s central coast near Pescadero. Enjoy coastal California cuisine, much of it sourced in the resort’s organic gardens at the on-site Cascade Restaurant and Bar. Beyond physical exploration, there is the opportunity to unwind afterwards in its full-service Spa. The resort offers educational wildlife programming such as guided bird-watching tours, trail camera lectures and falconry presentations. From stargazing, tie-dye workshops, and wine tasting events, guests of all ages will discover the peace pace of nature. Package includes welcome wine and fruit basket and two spa bathrobes. Learn more at www.costanoa.com.

Thank you, Michele and Tom Reynolds and Costanoa

5. Night Getaway to Anza-Borrego Springs, CA (San Diego County) – Value $2,000

Desert Paradise Estate Home Adjacent to the California Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Located 90 miles east of San Diego coastline in the northern boundary of the Sonoran Desert (just south of Palm Springs; Loreto at the southern end). This classic “Early California” style desert retreat home features a sparkling pool, two bedrooms and two baths. The single-story structure, designed by renowned architect Robson Chambers, is located within the gated community of Indian Head Ranch.

The home’s beautiful views overlook the desert and mountains in a serene location adjacent to California’s 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This tranquil setting is a mere four miles from the Village center of Borrego Springs, home to Southern California’s largest CA State Park and Visitor Center, delicious restaurants, golf, spa, hiking and biking, and guided off-roading to geological wonders. The village also houses the Steele Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, part of the University of California Natural Reserve System.

Available for use Feb. 1, 2022 – May 1, 2022 or Nov. 1, 2022 – Dec. 15, 2022. Suggested best time is Feb/March or November. Maximum four people; no pets or smoking. Sorry, not child friendly due to cactus and unprotected pool, spa.

Thank you, Elena and John Thompson, San Diego, CA

6. Loreto Restaurant Tour – 16 Participating Restaurants!! – Value $750

Enjoy a wide variety of lunches, dinners, and drinks at some of Loreto’s most popular restaurants. This is a great chance to try some new eateries or revisit your favorites. Treat a friend or out of town visitor to a special night out! Buen provecho!  Various expiration dates on certificates.

Thank you, Canirac and Loreto Restaurants

7. Alaska Airline Tickets – LAX to Loreto – $850/Min Bid

The perfect gift or when you are ready to return to beautiful Loreto again. Two Round Trip Tickets from LAX to Loreto on Alaska Airlines. Available to use anytime within one year. Holidays excluded.

Thank you, Linda and Tony Kinninger

8. Whale Watching Tour at San Ignacio Lagoon For Two – Value $2,250 USD

Arrive to our full-service whale watching eco-lodge on your own by car, bus or private plane, and we’ll supply the friendly gray whales and hospitality that is world renown at “Campo Cortez”. Enjoy your stay in our solar powered eco-cabins with complete views of the lagoon, comfortable beds, two whale watching trips daily, kayaking excursions, tide pool walks and the hospitality and knowledge of our camp staff and naturalists…enjoy all the frills that we offer on our guided expeditions including hot showers, solar electricity and star filled nights. Bookings are made in blocks of two days – stay two, four, six or more days in blocks of two days. Current arrival dates can be any time between Feb. 1-24, 2022. Arrivals are currently available in March by advance reservation made directly with Baja Ecotours.

Situated at the heart of the Vizcaino Bisophere, San Ignacio lagoon is truly a unique place on our planet and is the only Gray Whale birthing lagoon in the world that has been left untouched by man and has a local community striving to keep the lagoon a sacred and protected sanctuary.

Baja Ecotours invites you to join us at our remote, solar powered Ecolodge at San Ignacio Lagoon where man and leviathan have formed a unique and peaceful relationship. Dubbed as “ballenas amistosas” (Spanish for “friendly whales”) by local fishermen because of their curious and gentle nature, they often approach our skiffs to interact with us. These friendly Gray Whales actually seek out human interaction. Often, proud mothers with newborn calves will approach our skiffs to present their young to us while encouraging us to scratch their backs and baleen as they lounge around our skiffs. Over the years, this extraordinary behavior has become a regular occurrence only at San Ignacio Lagoon. It is this trusting gesture of friendship that makes a visit to San Ignacio Lagoon a once in a lifetime and unforgettable experience.

www.bajaecotours.com

Received Certificate of Excellence from tripadvisor from 2014-2017!!

Thank you, Baja Eco-Tours

9. Professional-quality Custom Acoustic Guitar – Value $2500/$1500 Min Bid

Handcrafted Parlor Guitar made by Loreto resident Shaw Saltzberg. One of a kind, designed slightly larger than usual, offering strong bass and sparkling trebles! Exotic woods used include rare flame walnut, sitka spruce, mahogany and bloodwood The finish is nitrocellulose and French polish. Tuners are Gotoh 510’s, neck joint at the 12th fret! Over 200 hours of labor to design this custom beauty!

The builder, Shaw Saltzberg, along with his wife Paula Brook, have been homeowners in Loreto for over 15 years. Now retired, Shaw’s former career was a booking agent based in Vancouver, Canada. He knows the level of quality that industry professionals demand, having represented well-known artists such as Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Bryan Adams, Michael Buble, Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, and many more.

Shaw’s post-retirement passion for unique custom guitars, and appreciation for the labor and artistry of the craft, also has led Shaw to create the Vancouver International Guitar Festival, now an annual cultural event in Vancouver that brings together world renowned guitar builders and virtuoso guitarists.

Thank you, Shaw Saltzberg

10. Ring in the New Year then Frolic and Relax in Luxury at La Misión Loreto – Value $670

This package starts the year off right with two tickets to the best party in town to ring in the New Year. Get 2022 started on the right foot with the hotel’s New Year’s Eve Party — dinner, dancing, and open bar. At any time from January 15 to October 20, 2022, stop in for an ultra-relaxing Pampering Treatment for Two at the Misión Hotel Spa. And when you’re ready for a mini-vacation (or a luxurious place to stash some out-of-town guests), enjoy 3 nights/4 days in a Luxury Ocean-View Suite (between May 25 and November 20, 2022).  Great entertainment, food, and relaxation at Hotel La Misión Loreto.

Thank you, Hotel La Misión

11. Elegant Dinner for Eight to Ten at Luxury Waterfront Estate – Value $2000/$850 Min Bid

Sumptuous gourmet Mexican dinner for 8 – 10 at a luxury waterfront estate in Loreto surrounded by elegant decor, prepared and served by owner’s personal staff. Appetizers, dinner and margaritas included. Wine excluded (bring your own). A great opportunity to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary in a beautiful private home setting. Mutual agreeable date and time to be reserved by owners. Expires November 16, 2022.

Thank you, Linda and Tony Kinninger!

12. Spectacular Boat Trip On a Robalo 30’ Center Console – Value $500

A fantastic half day to enjoy the crystal clear, warm waters of the Sea of Cortez, Danzante island and the Southern portion of Carmen Island. Sit back and relax on board a ROBALO 30 Foot Console, it is smooth, stable, and fast!

Your cruise will last about 4-5 hours departing from Puerto Escondido Marina. We will anchor at one or two of the islands to relax to beautiful landscape and wildlife, have lunch and some time to swim or explore the island.

Try swimming with dolphins, snorkeling over a sardine ball and colorful fish in the blue, clear, warm water. Roberto Ortega (Rob) your Skipper, will be generous with his time and local knowledge.

Thank you, Rob Ortega

13. “Cuando la Luna Llena” Watercolor Painting by Loreto Artist Lizette Inzunza – Value $450

The full moon in the starry sky rises over the Sea of Cortez as the pangas wait for the arrival of dawn and the fishermen. This 18”x24” colorful watercolor painting is an original by local and international artist, Lizette Inzunza.

Thank you, Lizette Inzunza

[separator style_type=”single” top_margin=”15px” bottom_margin=”15px” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””][/one_full][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”none” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]14. Invite Your Friends to Embrace the Marine Park’s Natural Wonders Aboard the Wild Swan/65’ Motor Yacht – Value $3500/$2500Min Bid
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You and up to 14 adult friends and family will treasure the memories you create aboard the Wild Swan, the 65-foot luxury cruising yacht owned by Tony and Linda Kinninger. Choose among several outings, at the times of year ideal for embracing the nature of the Bay of Loreto National Park. Each trip departs Puerto Escondido at 9 a.m. and includes lunch, water, beer and soft drinks; feel free to bring your own white wine. Return to Puerto Escondido in mid-to-late afternoon.

Explore the islands and natural beauty of the Bay of Loreto National Park, with an on-board licensed naturalist available to interpret your sightings. Plot your favorite itinerary with your amiable Captain Tony, ever available for course corrections as you proceed. Include snorkeling or beach stops along the way, or choose to simply sink into the luxury of this spacious and stable yacht, with ample space inside and out to stretch out and relax. The main salon and galley, bridge deck, pilot house, and decks throughout offer the ultimate in comfort, visibility, and tranquility. Swim deck for ease of water access. Choose a mutually agreeable date, weather permitting and at Captain’s discretion.

Thank you, Tony and Linda Kinninger!

15. San Basilio Three-day Escape for Six – Value $3400

You and your guests will forever cherish three days and two nights at La Casa de la Marquesa, an exclusive getaway literally built for Spanish royalty. Just 25 miles from Loreto, this upscale, eco-escape’s elegant and very comfortable suites feature one-of-a-kind hand-painted furniture, with off-the-grid solar-powered a/c or heating. Your rooms open onto a panoramic view of a pristine, entirely undeveloped bay three miles across, and you are surrounded by more than 10,000 acres of private conservation land. This is a naturalist’s delight and the perfect place for anyone to unwind.

Snorkeling, scuba, and kayaking is out of this world, or take a contemplative stroll on one of many beaches. Mule rides by arrangement. Your full-time private chef and swimming pool complete the picture ~ creature comforts surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Most of the organic food is grown on the property. Food and attentive staff assistance is all included. Wine/alcohol not included, but feel free to bring your own. Mutual agreeable date and time.

Thank you, Tom Woodard!

16. Sunset Cruise for 12 Aboard the Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 Catamaran
Value $1,500

Thank you, Guinevere King and West Coast Multihulls

17. Wantoparty – Island Charter – 6 Person Maximum – Value $550

Wantoparty is designed for maximum fun and comfort. This 25-foot Panga has spacious seating, wide deck and lots of “standing room” shade make it the perfect party boat! It also has a very sturdy swim ladder that is perfect for everyone.  It’s common to see many kinds of local fish, dolphins, whales, manta rays, sea turtles, ospreys, blue-footed boobies, and more. Includes lunch, snacks and beverages. Marine Park passes are provided and masks/snorkels during a swim stop!

Thank you, Tim Yarbrough

18. Twilight Golfing for Four at Danzante Bay – Value $396

You and three friends will enjoy an 18-hole Twilight round, including carts, at TPC Danzante Bay, nominated for the World Golf Awards “Mexico’s Best Golf Course 2019.” Since its opening, the Rees Jones-designed course has earned worldwide recognition in numerous golf and travel magazines, especially for its signature 17th hole surrounded by the Gulf of California. Valid November 13th, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Certificate must be presented upon arrival.

Thank you, Villa del Palmar @ the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay

As always, Eco-Alianza is grateful for the kindness and generosity of our service providers who support Eco-Alianza’s conservation work to make a better future for nature and communities.