Locals organize event to be held July 13 at Fallbrook's Cafe des Artistes to help with horse rescue efforts

The plight facing some horses does not go unrecognized in Fallbrook. Based on that, a group of individuals have organized a fundraising evening Saturday, July 13, to help three equine rescue organizations. The timing is perfect, as it coincides with the end of the “Celebrate the Horse” show at the Fallbrook Art Center.

Led by Michael Calvanese, owner of Café des Artistes (in the rear of the art center), and Rosemary Pfuhl, with the assistance of Brett Stokes, the event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 that evening and feature hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, live music, raffle and auction opportunities.

“The net profit will be shared between three organizations – Falconridge Equine Rescue, Hoofs and Woofs, and the American Wild Horse Preservation Organization,” explained Calvanese.

Calvanese said tasty food bites will include popcorn shrimp, spanakopita with feta cheese and spinach, cream cheese-stuffed jalapenos, and genoa salami with gruyere cheese. He also said guests can expect some champagne in addition to the other wine and beer selections.

Pianist/vocalist Jack Nix, who is also a former San Francisco 49er football player, will provide the live entertainment for the evening.

Calvanese said the items donated for the raffle and auction are particularly interesting.

“We have a beautiful, large framed photograph by Carol Walker; gift baskets from Casa Tiene Vista winery in De Luz; art pieces by Donna Bernstein, Ally Benbrook, Debra Saum, Brett Stokes, and Lori Piedra; professional photography by Tricia Meteer; horse products; equine-theme pillows, and much more,” he noted.

Raising funds to help horses, especially wild ones, is important, Stokes said.

“Wild horses are one of the last bastions of freedom and one of the relics of the Old West that we still have,” said Stokes. “It’s awesome that they are free. We are trying to raise public awareness of that and help with the effort to keep them that way.”

Calvanese said wild horses are undoubtedly endangered.

“We are trying to keep the slaughterhouses away from them,” he said. “Once I became aware of what was happening, I became concerned.”

Tickets to the event ($25/each) also include access to the “Celebrate the Horse” show that evening. The show ends the following day.

“We are not only holding this as a horse rescue benefit, but also a celebration of horses,” said Calvanese.

To learn more, or to purchase tickets, visit the Café des Artistes at 103 S. Main Ave., or call (760) 728-3350.