Save the Redwoods League TAKE ME TO THE TREES 2024

Save the Redwoods League held their annual Take Me to the Trees celebration and fundraiser on May 18th at the Crissy Field Airplane Hangar in San Francisco. More than $790,000 was raised, including $290,000 for the ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway fund-a-need.

Event co-chairs Kelly Tarapani, Mindy Whittington, and Rich Wendling were the masterminds behind the evening of redwoods connection and inspiration. And Redwoods Rising apprentice Francisco Saavedra brought down the house with his moving call to heal the wrongs that have been committed against the Indigenous stewards who have cared for the redwoods since time immemorial. The presenting sponsor and partner in protecting the redwoods were the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

A spirited live auction took place as attendees eagerly bid for exclusive redwood experiences, including a scenic bike ride led by League President and CEO Sam Hodder through the League’s Russian River Redwoods property. To top off the evening, all fund-a-need paddle raises—which support the ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway—were matched by an anonymous Councilor of Save the Redwoods League.

Camp-inspired bites and wine, and redwood-infused beer and cocktails, were served throughout the night followed by sounds of Super Diamond, the Neil Diamond tribute band. Griff Griffith, host of Animal Planet’s “Wild Jobs,” led the festivities as the master of ceremonies.