About The Country Friends™
|
Jan Fitzpatrick, President
Jane Butcher, Art of Fashion™ Chair
|
Rancho Santa Fe, situated on rolling hills east of Del Mar, is a charming community committed to preserving its heritage. In the "Village" center the Rancho Santa Fe Inn stands as a dominant landmark for visitors. Spanish and Mediterranean architectural designs characterize most buildings with some structures dating from the late 1800's.
Surrounded by many winding country roads, Rancho Santa Fe's serenity continues to be explored by visitors. Eucalyptus, citrus, avocado, palm trees and flowering mimosa adorn the rolling hills and roadways throughout the Ranch. No matter the reason, people are lured to this enchanting area to experience the calming atmosphere, fine dining, elegant accommodations of the Inn and the variety of shops. Not least of these is the shop of The Country Friends™.
The Country Friends™ was formed in 1954 by a group of charitable and public-spirited Rancho Santa Fe women. The organization began with 167 members and has grown to over 1200 and had distributed over 12 million dollars to human-care agencies in San Diego County.
The Country Friends™ organization, encompassing San Diego County is divided into nine areas, each of which is represented on the Board of Directors: Carlsbad/Oceanside; La Jolla; Lake San Marcos, San Marcos, Vista; E. Rancho Santa Fe, Escondido, Bonsall, San Luis Rey; Fallbrook; Rancho Bernardo, Poway, 4S Ranch; Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks, Del Rayo; El Cajon/San Diego; Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas.
General membership luncheon meetings are held once a year. Membership coffees are also held to acquaint members and potential members with the fund-raising and giving of The Country Friends™.
The Country Friends™ is pleased to announce their annual Art of Fashion™ Runway Show sponsored by South Coast Plaza. The Runway Show is held in September and accompanied by an elegant luncheon on the lawn at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. It is one of the largest outdoor fashion shows in the country.
Thanks to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, The Country Friends™ has a Day at the Races™. This annual event is held the day after opening day of the racing season.
