Robin’s Nest Fundraiser raises $6,000 for rescue animals and programs

by Regina Elling

About 175 people attended the third annual Rockin’ Robin Music Fest & Fundraiser held Oct. 12 at Robin’s Nest Ranch and Rescue sanctuary in Ramona.

The event, which had about 70 volunteers, featured performances by more than 30 musicians, shopping at 10 local vendor booths and 24 rescued animals to visit.

“This year’s Robin Robin event raised 59% more than last year, with about $6,000 coming from the live and silent auctions alone,” said Kimber Williams, founder of the rescue. “All of the funds raised directly support the care of our rescue animals and our therapeutic and educational programs.”

The Temecula Cowgirls Parade and Drill Team opened the celebration, with Ramona musician Michael Dean Goodrich singing the National Anthem.

During the event, Williams presented a handmade Western-themed quilt to Jasmine Harris, director of The Innocence Center, formerly known as the Innocence Project.

Robin’s Nest has a partnership with the nonprofit dedicated to freeing the innocent from prison. Each future exoneree that has been on a retreat — a one day event in which they, their families, staff, attorneys and rescuers tour the facility and learn about animal interactions — will receive a custom quilt.

John Hancock of Ramona and Michael Finnegan of Oklahoma led the festival’s most successful live auction, Williams said. Finnegan, a agriculture teacher at Oklahoma State University, is a former student of Sue Williams, Kimber’s mother.

The acoustic stage at Robin’s Nest Rescue Ranch was set under an old, sprawling oak tree. (John Hancock)

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The acoustic stage at Robin’s Nest Rescue Ranch was set under an old, sprawling oak tree. (John Hancock)

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The live auction items included a fire truck winery tour for four, donated by Kim Rush; a behind-the-scenes dinner for six with Cal Fire Station #80 and four club seats to a San Diego Football Club match. The silent auction featured 16 items.

The crowd favorite auction item was an Alpaca Harmony Yoga event, an experience that included a morning of yoga, sound bath, mimosas and brunch with the Robin’s Nest alpacas, Williams said.

“The experience proved so popular that a second event was quickly added and sold out,” she said.

Robin’s Nest Rescue, a nonprofit animal sanctuary, provides refuge and rehabilitation for animals who have suffered neglect or abuse, while fostering emotional healing and connection for people through animal-assisted programs. For more information, visit: www.robinsnestrescue.org.