Who We Are
2024 marks a significant milestone for The Country Friends, which is celebrating 70 years of dedicated service. The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community.
By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact. Guided by its mission of “Helping San Diegans since 1954 :: One Hand at a Time,” The Country Friends raises funds through various avenues, with the Art of Fashion and its Rancho Santa Fe consignment shop being the primary sources. These funds play a crucial role in supporting a wide range of essential services, including meal programs, educational workshops for low-income families, emergency assistance for survivors of sexual assault, rehabilitation programs for victims of human trafficking, outreach initiatives for breast cancer, therapy for foster children, and numerous other life-changing endeavors. Throughout the organization’s journey, hundreds of dedicated volunteers have selflessly contributed countless hours, resulting in the remarkable achievement of raising nearly 15 million dollars for numerous deserving charities in San Diego.
We are thrilled to announce that The Country Friends is turning 70 this year, and we want you to be a part of our year of celebration!
Our calendar is brimming with exciting events and experiences that promise to bring joy, laughter, and a sense of community.
Together, let’s make this year of celebration one to remember!
With a heart full of gratitude and excitement, we proudly introduce the incredible charities we have chosen to partner with in 2024.
True beauty comes from within, and these charities embody that spirit wholeheartedly. Their unwavering commitment to their respective causes is awe-inspiring. Together, we are determined to create a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.
2024 Chosen Charities
A Step Beyond
Autism Society San Diego
Boys to Men Mentoring
Casa de Amistad
Community Resource Center
ConnectMed International
Doors of Change
Emilio Nares Foundation
GenerateHope
Girls Rising
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Kids’ Turn San Diego
Kitchens for Good
La Colonia de Eden Gardens
La Jolla Meals on Wheels
LightBridge Hospice
Lucky Duck Foundation
Mitchell Thorp Foundation
New Entra Casa
Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center
Reading Legacies
REINS
San Diego Rescue Mission
Second Chance
Shelter to Soldier
Southern Sudanese Community Center of San Diego
Special Delivery San Diego
Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
Street of Dreams, Music for Education
Support the Enlisted Project (STEP)
Team Hoyt
Think Dignity
Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP)of San Diego
Vista Hill
Voices of Our City Choir
Walden Family Services
Zero8Hundred
Follow us on Instagram @thecountryfriends
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us! The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact. Ask how to get involved @thecountryfriends. Email: admin@thecountryfriends.org. Click on the instagram bio to see upcoming events.
Video by @hebbleproductions
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us! The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact. Ask how to get involved @thecountryfriends. Email: admin@thecountryfriends.org. Click on the instagram bio to see upcoming events.
Video by @hebbleproductions
Special Thanks to the co-chairs Tamara Lafarga-Joesph, MJ Wittman, and the incredible Art of Fashion Unstoppable Committee for making this a record-breaking fundraising event! We have more data to collect before we announce the amount raised. Stay tuned.
A huge shoutout to all the fantastic volunteers who spent their day ensuring that every detail was perfect for our guests. Your passion and commitment made this event unforgettable!
Congratulations to everyone involved! 2024 Art of Fashion Committee: Left to Right standing row: Paulette Khoury, Christina Macone-Greene,
Makena Kronemyer (Administrative Assistant), Marla Zanelli, Kiki Hayward, Lolly Sangster, Lezlie Reynales, Valerie Parker, Sage Billick, Donna Valentino, Maria Elsom, Alicia Armstrong, Sandy Nolan, Linda Royster-Cook, Irina Fenison, Mia Park, Left to Right Sitting: Suzanne Newman, Irina Shkov, Andrea Naversen, Janean Stripe (Board President), Tamara Lafarga-Joseph (Co-Chair), MJ Wittman (Co-Chair), Marci Cavanaugh. Not in photo: Anahi Arnata,
Chris Carlisle, Dayna Sarazin, Deb Cross, Gayle Huyser, Joni Labbe, Laura MacKinnon Chapman,
Marina Tsvyk, Vivian Capozza, Yvette Letourneau (Executive Director).
Photo Credit: Gilda Adler
Special Thanks to the co-chairs Tamara Lafarga-Joesph, MJ Wittman, and the incredible Art of Fashion Unstoppable Committee for making this a record-breaking fundraising event! We have more data to collect before we announce the amount raised. Stay tuned.
A huge shoutout to all the fantastic volunteers who spent their day ensuring that every detail was perfect for our guests. Your passion and commitment made this event unforgettable!
Congratulations to everyone involved! 2024 Art of Fashion Committee: Left to Right standing row: Paulette Khoury, Christina Macone-Greene,
Makena Kronemyer (Administrative Assistant), Marla Zanelli, Kiki Hayward, Lolly Sangster, Lezlie Reynales, Valerie Parker, Sage Billick, Donna Valentino, Maria Elsom, Alicia Armstrong, Sandy Nolan, Linda Royster-Cook, Irina Fenison, Mia Park, Left to Right Sitting: Suzanne Newman, Irina Shkov, Andrea Naversen, Janean Stripe (Board President), Tamara Lafarga-Joseph (Co-Chair), MJ Wittman (Co-Chair), Marci Cavanaugh. Not in photo: Anahi Arnata,
Chris Carlisle, Dayna Sarazin, Deb Cross, Gayle Huyser, Joni Labbe, Laura MacKinnon Chapman,
Marina Tsvyk, Vivian Capozza, Yvette Letourneau (Executive Director).
Photo Credit: Gilda Adler
What a fabulous night on September 5 as we donned our finest attire to celebrate the Art of Fashion’s Sponsors and Patrons! We thank our incredible co-chairs, Marci Cavanaugh and Lezlie Reynales, whose creativity transformed this event into a dazzling red carpet-moment filled with joy and philanthropy. A special shout-out goes to our generous host, Dan Floit, who opened his stunning estate and welcomed us with warmth and elegance. It was a truly special evening where the spirit of community shone brighter than the sequins on our outfits!
But hold onto your hats and heels because this is just the beginning!
We have more shout-outs that will keep the momentum going. We are thrilled to share that Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman co-chaired the most amazing Art of Fashion to date, and it’s official that this event has made history as our largest fundraiser yet!
Get ready for a fashion extravaganza, as pictures capturing the essence of this unforgettable Art of Fashion day are coming soon.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact.
What a fabulous night on September 5 as we donned our finest attire to celebrate the Art of Fashion’s Sponsors and Patrons! We thank our incredible co-chairs, Marci Cavanaugh and Lezlie Reynales, whose creativity transformed this event into a dazzling red carpet-moment filled with joy and philanthropy. A special shout-out goes to our generous host, Dan Floit, who opened his stunning estate and welcomed us with warmth and elegance. It was a truly special evening where the spirit of community shone brighter than the sequins on our outfits!
But hold onto your hats and heels because this is just the beginning!
We have more shout-outs that will keep the momentum going. We are thrilled to share that Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman co-chaired the most amazing Art of Fashion to date, and it’s official that this event has made history as our largest fundraiser yet!
Get ready for a fashion extravaganza, as pictures capturing the essence of this unforgettable Art of Fashion day are coming soon.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact.
What a fabulous night on September 5 as we donned our finest attire to celebrate the Art of Fashion’s Sponsors and Patrons! We thank our incredible co-chairs, Marci Cavanaugh and Lezlie Reynales, whose creativity transformed this event into a dazzling red carpet-moment filled with joy and philanthropy. A special shout-out goes to our generous host, Dan Floit, who opened his stunning estate and welcomed us with warmth and elegance. It was a truly special evening where the spirit of community shone brighter than the sequins on our outfits!
But hold onto your hats and heels because this is just the beginning!
We have more shout-outs that will keep the momentum going. We are thrilled to share that Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman co-chaired the most amazing Art of Fashion to date, and it’s official that this event has made history as our largest fundraiser yet!
Get ready for a fashion extravaganza, as pictures capturing the essence of this unforgettable Art of Fashion day are coming soon.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact.
What a fabulous night on September 5 as we donned our finest attire to celebrate the Art of Fashion’s Sponsors and Patrons! We thank our incredible co-chairs, Marci Cavanaugh and Lezlie Reynales, whose creativity transformed this event into a dazzling red carpet-moment filled with joy and philanthropy. A special shout-out goes to our generous host, Dan Floit, who opened his stunning estate and welcomed us with warmth and elegance. It was a truly special evening where the spirit of community shone brighter than the sequins on our outfits!
But hold onto your hats and heels because this is just the beginning!
We have more shout-outs that will keep the momentum going. We are thrilled to share that Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman co-chaired the most amazing Art of Fashion to date, and it’s official that this event has made history as our largest fundraiser yet!
Get ready for a fashion extravaganza, as pictures capturing the essence of this unforgettable Art of Fashion day are coming soon.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact.
What a fabulous night on September 5 as we donned our finest attire to celebrate the Art of Fashion’s Sponsors and Patrons! We thank our incredible co-chairs, Marci Cavanaugh and Lezlie Reynales, whose creativity transformed this event into a dazzling red carpet-moment filled with joy and philanthropy. A special shout-out goes to our generous host, Dan Floit, who opened his stunning estate and welcomed us with warmth and elegance. It was a truly special evening where the spirit of community shone brighter than the sequins on our outfits!
But hold onto your hats and heels because this is just the beginning!
We have more shout-outs that will keep the momentum going. We are thrilled to share that Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman co-chaired the most amazing Art of Fashion to date, and it’s official that this event has made history as our largest fundraiser yet!
Get ready for a fashion extravaganza, as pictures capturing the essence of this unforgettable Art of Fashion day are coming soon.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact.
What a fabulous night on September 5 as we donned our finest attire to celebrate the Art of Fashion’s Sponsors and Patrons! We thank our incredible co-chairs, Marci Cavanaugh and Lezlie Reynales, whose creativity transformed this event into a dazzling red carpet-moment filled with joy and philanthropy. A special shout-out goes to our generous host, Dan Floit, who opened his stunning estate and welcomed us with warmth and elegance. It was a truly special evening where the spirit of community shone brighter than the sequins on our outfits!
But hold onto your hats and heels because this is just the beginning!
We have more shout-outs that will keep the momentum going. We are thrilled to share that Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman co-chaired the most amazing Art of Fashion to date, and it’s official that this event has made history as our largest fundraiser yet!
Get ready for a fashion extravaganza, as pictures capturing the essence of this unforgettable Art of Fashion day are coming soon.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact.
What a fabulous night on September 5 as we donned our finest attire to celebrate the Art of Fashion’s Sponsors and Patrons! We thank our incredible co-chairs, Marci Cavanaugh and Lezlie Reynales, whose creativity transformed this event into a dazzling red carpet-moment filled with joy and philanthropy. A special shout-out goes to our generous host, Dan Floit, who opened his stunning estate and welcomed us with warmth and elegance. It was a truly special evening where the spirit of community shone brighter than the sequins on our outfits!
But hold onto your hats and heels because this is just the beginning!
We have more shout-outs that will keep the momentum going. We are thrilled to share that Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman co-chaired the most amazing Art of Fashion to date, and it’s official that this event has made history as our largest fundraiser yet!
Get ready for a fashion extravaganza, as pictures capturing the essence of this unforgettable Art of Fashion day are coming soon.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact.
What a fabulous night on September 5 as we donned our finest attire to celebrate the Art of Fashion’s Sponsors and Patrons! We thank our incredible co-chairs, Marci Cavanaugh and Lezlie Reynales, whose creativity transformed this event into a dazzling red carpet-moment filled with joy and philanthropy. A special shout-out goes to our generous host, Dan Floit, who opened his stunning estate and welcomed us with warmth and elegance. It was a truly special evening where the spirit of community shone brighter than the sequins on our outfits!
But hold onto your hats and heels because this is just the beginning!
We have more shout-outs that will keep the momentum going. We are thrilled to share that Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman co-chaired the most amazing Art of Fashion to date, and it’s official that this event has made history as our largest fundraiser yet!
Get ready for a fashion extravaganza, as pictures capturing the essence of this unforgettable Art of Fashion day are coming soon.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
The Country Friends has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need within the San Diego Community. By championing local charities and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, the organization has continuously strived to make a positive impact.
OCTOBER 22 - Rancho Santa Fe Tennis and Pickleball Club.
Join us for our Second Annual Pickleball Tournament. Bring your friends, family, and competitive spirit! Together, we can make a difference while enjoying a sport we love. Scan QR Code to Register. Co-Chairs: Maggie Bobileff & Dennis Hug. Sponsors: Bobileff MotorCar Company, Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover Carlsbad @jaguarlandrovercarlsbad, Linda Sansone & Associates @linda_sansone_associates, John Matty Co. @john.matty, Ranch & Coast Magazine @ranchandcoast, Jason Barry Team, @jasonbarryteam , Continental Catering @continentalcatering., DOLCE @dolcersf, Melogrand, Dipped Confections @dippedconfectionssd
OCTOBER 22 - Rancho Santa Fe Tennis and Pickleball Club.
Join us for our Second Annual Pickleball Tournament. Bring your friends, family, and competitive spirit! Together, we can make a difference while enjoying a sport we love. Scan QR Code to Register. Co-Chairs: Maggie Bobileff & Dennis Hug. Sponsors: Bobileff MotorCar Company, Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover Carlsbad @jaguarlandrovercarlsbad, Linda Sansone & Associates @linda_sansone_associates, John Matty Co. @john.matty, Ranch & Coast Magazine @ranchandcoast, Jason Barry Team, @jasonbarryteam , Continental Catering @continentalcatering., DOLCE @dolcersf, Melogrand, Dipped Confections @dippedconfectionssd
Join us on Friday, October 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Country Friends, located at 6030 El Tordo. Sip tea, enjoy sweets and treats from Dipped Confections, and shop and mingle with other residents. Please make sure to RSVP by October 8. Event Sponsors: @linda_sansone_associates and Keilene Hayward @just_kiki68
Join us on Friday, October 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Country Friends, located at 6030 El Tordo. Sip tea, enjoy sweets and treats from Dipped Confections, and shop and mingle with other residents. Please make sure to RSVP by October 8. Event Sponsors: @linda_sansone_associates and Keilene Hayward @just_kiki68