Shandel Sutherland • December 23, 2024

Soroptimist Hosts Wine Tasting to Empower Women and Girls

Share

An Afternoon of Wine, Community, and Empowerment


Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs celebrated its third annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser on December 14 at the Steele/Burnand Desert Research Center. This highly anticipated event drew strong community support, furthering the mission to uplift local women and girls through education and empowerment.


Photo Credit: Brooke Erinoff, owner of Infinite Exposures Photography LLC

Event Highlights


Guests were treated to an unforgettable afternoon featuring:


Curated Wine Selection:  Acclaimed Napa-based wine broker Kimberly Jones showcased premium wines like Operation Dragoon and No Brainer, sharing her expertise and creating a lively atmosphere for wine lovers.


Gourmet Appetizers: A delicious array of sliders, quiche, shrimp, chicken skewers, brownies, and more, provided by Carlee’s with their signature commitment to fresh ingredients.


Live Music: Pianist Steve T Hunter entertained with a mix of holiday classics and timeless piano favorites.


Silent Auction & Raffle: Unique experiences and prizes included:


  • A seven-night stay in Park City, Utah
  • A wildlife safari for four
  • Golf packages at Rams Hill and de Anza
  • A wellness challenge at Yellow Woman Ranch
  • Exclusive experiences like a pottery lesson, curator tour, and more
  • Community Spirit


Miss Borrego Springs Pageant winners added a special touch, assisting with raffles and the silent auction. Guests eagerly participated in gift basket drawings, which featured an enticing mix of wine, food, gift certificates, and more.


Event co-chairs Anne Wermers and Gina Moran extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors, local businesses, and community members whose generosity made the event a resounding success.


Supporting Women and Girls


All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit programs like Live Your Dream, career mentorships, and scholarships for women with dependents pursuing their education. Since 1962, Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs has been a beacon of support for women and girls in the community.


Donate and Learn More

If you missed the event but still want to contribute, donations can be sent to:


Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs

P.O. Box 504, Borrego Springs, CA 92004


For more details, including a list of sponsors and donors, visit www.borregosoroptimist.com.




Learn More About Borrego Springs

By Yellow Woman Ranch • November 5, 2026
Yellow Woman Ranch's Fall Wellness Faire invites visitors to explore holistic practices, discover natural products, and enjoy a day of connection in the desert. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and, quite often, overindulgence. On Saturday, November 28, Yellow Woman Ranch in Borrego Springs invites visitors to spend the day nourishing themselves in a different way, exploring an eclectic mix of holistic practices, natural products, and experiences designed to promote well-being. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Fall Wellness Faire will bring together holistic practitioners, wellness enthusiasts, and natural product vendors for a day of discovery, connection, and feeling good. Visitors can explore a variety of offerings, including acupuncture and cupping, Reiki, vibrational sound healing, Zero Balance, Bio-Energetic Scanning, mini facials, and Somatic Movement. The day will also feature sound baths, Shamanic Journeying, tarot readings, and traditional Chinese mind-body practices. Beyond the individual practices and experiences, guests can browse crystals, herbal products, and other natural offerings, enjoy wholesome foods, meet practitioners, and discover approaches to wellness they may not have encountered before. “I started these Wellness Faires to create awareness about the different ways we can heal and feel good when we get in touch with our bodies and our minds,” says Rossy Sanchez, creator of Yellow Woman Ranch. “I so enjoy seeing the happy faces as people leave the event.” Set against the dramatic beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert, Yellow Woman Ranch offers an inviting setting where visitors can explore at their own pace, connect with others, and perhaps discover something new about themselves. The Fall Wellness Faire takes place Saturday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Yellow Woman Ranch, 302 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, California. Admission is $20. Private sessions are available at additional cost, with pricing varying by practitioner. For more information and to explore the day's offerings, visit www.yellowwomanranch.com/events.
Crowd in costume at Trunk or Treat at The Mall in Borrego Springs
By Andrea McKenna • November 1, 2026
A few raindrops couldn’t keep the costumes home on Halloween night in Borrego Springs.
By Andrea McKenna • October 31, 2026
From desert hikes and stargazing to educational lectures and guided tours, the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) has posted its upcoming activities for the 2026–2027 season. The schedule offers opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the desert, learn about local history, observe wildlife and discover the natural wonders of Anza-Borrego. Programs include guided hikes, bird walks, four-wheel-drive excursions, astronomy presentations, nature journaling, cycling and educational lectures. Many outdoor activities are free, although advance registration is often required. November Highlights Nov. 2: Fern Canyon and Vandeventer Loop hike Nov. 6: Stargazing Borrego's Dark Sky Nov. 7: Deep Space Photography with Michael Poirier Nov. 8: Rainbow Wash & Beyond 4WD Tour Nov. 14–15: Annual Attic & Book Sale Nov. 21: Historic Borrego Walkabout Nov. 24: Full Moon Walk at South Palm Wash Nov. 27: The Fascinating Story of Borrego's Sky Art, with Diana Lindsay Nov. 28: Guided driving tour of Borrego's famous sculptures Looking Ahead December brings additional hikes, birding excursions, botany programs and lectures. The annual Desert Home & Garden Tour is scheduled for March 13, 2027, while a Mongolia tour is listed for June. Activities vary in difficulty, and some have participant limits or special vehicle requirements. Several programs offer discounted admission for ABDNHA members and volunteers. Explore the full schedule and register: ABDNHA Activities For reservations or additional information, contact the Borrego Desert Nature Center at 760-767-3098, or visit 652 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.
By Andrea McKenna • October 31, 2026
OLAX de Borrego invites the community to experience colorful altars, traditional Mexican art, and a special Family Day celebration on Sunday, November 1. All activities are free and open to all ages. The Community Resource Center (CRC) in Borrego Springs is filling with color, flowers and tradition as OLAX de Borrego prepares for its Día de los Muertos celebration. Volunteers have been busy painting large decorative pieces, creating colorful paper flowers and assembling traditional altars to honor loved ones who have passed away. The preparations are part of OLAX de Borrego's Día de los Muertos series, bringing community members together to share Mexican cultural traditions through art, remembrance and celebration. A Weekend of Remembrance and Celebration The public is invited to visit the Día de los Muertos Altar Expo on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, beginning at 9 a.m. The altars, known as ofrendas, are an important part of Día de los Muertos. They traditionally feature photographs, flowers and meaningful objects that honor and remember family members and friends who have died. The decorations include colorful handmade flowers, papel picado and other artwork created during community workshops and preparations. Sunday: Family Day, Catrina Contest and Folklórico The celebration continues Sunday, November 1, at 3 p.m. with Family Day, a Catrina Contest and a presentation by Las Flores del Desierto Ballet Folklórico. The afternoon offers an opportunity for families, neighbors and visitors to experience the traditions of Día de los Muertos together. The Catrina Contest celebrates one of the holiday's most recognizable figures, while the folklórico presentation brings traditional Mexican dance into the celebration. Everyone Is Welcome OLAX de Borrego's celebration is free and open to all ages. Whether attending to honor a loved one, learn about Mexican traditions or enjoy the community festivities, everyone is invited. Event Details Saturday, October 31: Altar Setup beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, November 1: Altar Expo, beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, November 1, at 3 p.m.: Family Day, Catrina Contest and Las Flores del Desierto presentation Location: Community Resource Center (CRC), The Mall, Borrego Springs Admission: Free, all ages welcome For more information, contact info@olaxdeborrego.org . Photos: Community members prepare colorful decorations and handmade artwork for OLAX de Borrego's Día de los Muertos celebration at the Community Resource Center.
By Andrea McKenna • October 29, 2026
New Sunday morning classes offer adults opportunities to improve balance, flexibility, strength, and coordination in Borrego Springs.
By Matt Bosson, BSFI • October 25, 2026
All screenings are held on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 . Our full schedule for 2026 is posted on the BSFI website: www.borregospringsfilminstitute.org . Please check the website for the most up to date information.
Show More
Subscribe for Free Updates!