Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eva Stimson, Publicity Director
858/864-8536
estimson@pacbell.net

Rancho Santa Fe, CA ---- The Country Friends introduces a Fall Fashion Preview Travel Destination Package for September 17 through September 19, 2003, in conjunction with the 49^th annual Appearance of Autumn Fashion Show. This is the largest outdoor fashion show in the country, with all proceeds given to San Diego charities. According to an Associated Press analysis of Census 2000 figures released in June of 2002, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, is the wealthiest community in the country, creating an appropriate venue for a fundraising event. The profile of Rancho Santa Fe lists its population at 3,252, with a per-capita income of $113,132. The median price of a single-family home is $1.3 million with households owning 3 or more vehicles at 40.2%. The uniqueness of Rancho Santa Fe translates into a quaint neighborhood, which boasts a rural, private, tree-laden setting with large lots, top-ranked schools and exclusive amenities such as a golf course, tennis club and miles of horseback riding and walking trails. The California State Historical Resources Commission approved the Covenant area known as Rancho Santa Fe as a designated Historical Landmark on February 3, 1989. 

The travel designation package is offered in partnership with The Country Friends, Travel Talk Radio, Nordstrom, the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society and the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The travel expedition will begin on the afternoon of September 17, 2003, with a "Talk and Tour" in the historic village of Rancho Santa Fe presented by the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society, followed by coffee, tea and a visit to The Country Friends Shop, continuing with a champagne Sunset Clambake featuring Flamenco guitarist David de Alva, at a private oceanfront beach house hosted by the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, concluding with an overnight stay at the Inn.

Guests will be given tickets to attend the fundraising event as part of the Fall Fashion Preview Travel Destination package. The Country Friends 49^th annual luncheon and Appearance of Autumn fashion show will be held on September 18, 2003, which includes shopping at the Nordstrom Boutique (featuring travel ensembles and clothing from the runway) before and after the show, preferred fashion show seating and complimentary wine and tea reception immediately following the show. All events will be held outdoors in downtown Rancho Santa Fe. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will offer an additional overnight stay for the evening of September 19, 2003. Additional Individual tickets to the Fashion Show are $65 per person and Fashion Show Luncheon tickets are $50 per person. The event is chaired by Mary Wood along with event Co-Chairs, Karen Dhuyvetter and Maureen Reinhard. Underwriters of the event include the Bob Baker Auto Group and the Bob Baker family, Union Bank of California, Sempra Energy, The Golden Foundation, Maureen and Christopher Reinhard and Classic Party Rentals.

The beneficiaries of the Fashion Show proceeds are ElderHelp of San Diego (www.elderhelpofsandiego.org) and Friends of Vista Hill (www.vistahill.org). 

To make reservations for the Fall Fashion Preview Destination Package in Rancho Santa Fe please call the Inn at 858/756-1131 and mention the promotional code "FASHION". 

The Country Friends is a philanthropic organization that dedicates its activities to raising funds for social service agencies committed to helping women, children and the elderly throughout San Diego County. In addition to hosting fundraising events, The Country Friends operates a consignment shop located in the village of Rancho Santa Fe at 6030 El Tordo that donates all proceeds to charity. The shop is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and consignments are accepted through appointment by calling 858/756-1192 ext. 1. The mission of The Country Friends is to "help others to help themselves". Next year will mark the 50^th anniversary of this San Diego institution. Further information may be obtained at www.countryfriends.org.