With its targeted inspirational means to support Mt. Helix Park and amphitheater, the sixth annual heART of Mt. Helix fundraiser provided for spectacular panoramic views along with its looming white cross—one of East County’s most recognizable landmarks. Held on Saturday evening, the annual event draws its inspiration from artists who formed the art colony on the hill in the early 1900s.
With its targeted inspirational means to support Mt. Helix Park and amphitheater, the sixth annual heART of Mt. Helix fundraiser provided for spectacular panoramic views along with its looming white cross—one of East County’s most recognizable landmarks. Held on Saturday evening, the annual event draws its inspiration from artists who formed the art colony on the hill in the early 1900s.
Tracey Stotz, Mt. Helix Park Foundation’s executive director, greeted guests and explained some of the park’s rich history that is steeped in the arts, along with the necessity for the fundraiser.
“Mt. Helix Park receives no government funding, yet we’re open to the public daily. This evening is a key event to raise much needed funds that will allow the park to remain open to the public,” Stotz said. “Many months of planning have gone into our event and we’re very happy with the turnout and look forward to a fun and successful evening for all.”
Larisa Rotsart, one of this year’s guests and past years’ coordinator in charge of contracting restaurants and all food and services donated for the fundraiser, explained that the committee and volunteers spend the good part of the entire year in making the evening’s festivities possible.
“A lot of us have full time jobs and careers, yet we make time so that we can pull this fundraiser off,” she said.
Rotsart added long-term goals strive to maintain park upkeep, provide services and amenities including permanent restrooms, paved roads and parking lots for its visitors.
First time attendees Fred and Janice DeBerg were happy to enjoy the evening’s festivities under the stars and were especially impressed by the music and entertainment.
“The committee invited my husband and I to help plan the park’s 75th anniversary in 2015. We do productions in musical theater and are the owners of Dance in a Different Light Studio in El Cajon”, said Janice DeBerg.
Food was catered and donated by some of the community’s renowned establishments, such as Anthony’s Fish Grotto, The Brigantine, Cali Comfort, Hacienda Casa Blanca and the Riviera Supper Club. A diverse entertainment included David Maldonado, The Mighty Untouchables, Sister Speak, Lillian Palmer and the magic and comedy of Alfonso. The event offered a silent auction that featured a live on-the-spot painting that artist and long-time La Mesa resident, Chuck McPherson, conceived on the north side of the amphitheater while the evening unfolded, capturing a lasting watercolors-with-mixed-media rendition of the park’s breathtaking sunset views.
