The inaugural Mendocino Craft Farmers Auction, which was held on July 16th in the picturesque Anderson Valley of Southern Mendocino County, was a huge success in every way. Sponsored by the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance and Mendocino Producers Guild, this charity event not only raised $20,000 for the Redwood Valley Community Health Services Mental Health Crisis Response program but also raised consciousness about the high quality of the sungrown craft cannabis produced here and the incredible small farmers who cultivate it.
This first-of-its-kind event took place at The Brambles, a lovely venue nestled in the redwoods and owned by Jim Roberts and Brian Atkinson of Bohemian Chemist brand of cannabis products. Several noteworthy farms from the region were represented, and farmers were on hand to share knowledge about the benefits of Sungrown cannabis.
Chairwoman Nikki Lastreto explained, “This event was intended as an opportunity for the cannabis community of Mendocino to give back to the broader community and the County. It was an honor to host the first upscale cannabis gathering in the region – kind of like the Napa Valley Wine Auction, but for cannabis!”
One hundred guests enjoyed bidding on various treasures, from exotic vacation getaways to farm tours and local arts and crafts, both at the Silent and Live Auction parts of the evening. An elegant supper was served under the stars and towering trees, followed by the very exciting Live Auction and dancing with DJ Mo Magic, herself a small farmer from Mendocino. Several guests were further delighted when their generous donations for auction items were matched by growers who shared special cannabis from their Private Reserve.
Another benefit of the Auction was that guests who came from across the country and the state were able to explore the eclectic wonders of Mendocino County. This was their chance to discover the famed Emerald Triangle and why the cannabis grown here is claimed to be the best in the world, plus being the perfect opportunity to have fun while donating to a very worthy cause.
Photos courtesy of Nikki Lastreto, Mike Rosati, and Omar Figueroa
