Sunrise Horse Rescue’s annual charity fundraiser, Harvest of Hope, took place on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at the picturesque Blossom Creek Farm. This beloved event, originally hosted by Bob and Valerie Fish, has found a new steward in Ransome Rombauer, an accomplished equestrian and horse rescue advocate. Rombauer, who provides sanctuary to a herd of mini horses and her retired sport horses, reached out to Sunrise Horse Rescue to ensure that the tradition of hosting the fundraiser on her property continued. This year’s event saw a refreshing change to a daytime format, a decision that was enthusiastically embraced by attendees whose evenings in September are often filled with harvest-related activities.

Guests raise their paddles high to support Sunrise Horse Rescue.
Dr. Vanessa G.B. Rood, of Napa Valley Equine, teaches Gunnar Lee, 13, of St. Helena, how to listen to a horse’s heartbeat

The fundraiser brought in over $156,000, with individual giving seeing a notable increase compared to previous years. Harvest of Hope is the organization’s most significant annual fundraiser, providing essential support for its operational budget and directly funding veterinary care, feed, farrier services, and hands-on care for their cherished herd. The event featured a lively auction atmosphere, with 15 silent auction lots offering premium wine tasting experiences, luxury gift certificates, massages, and the use of exclusive poolside cabanas at high-end local hotels.

The live auction, facilitated by Loren Wheeler of Pio Roda Auctions, included five exciting lots, including a six-night stay on the island of Hawaii and an exclusive winemaker dinner at Mustards Grill, hosted by acclaimed winemaker Tony Biagi. The highest-grossing live auction lot featured a brunch for eight at Lovina Restaurant in Calistoga, CA, hosted by owner Jennifer Bennett. Guests were welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine generously supplied by Schramsberg Vineyards, while VIP tables enjoyed chilled bottles of Schramsberg’s sparkling wine throughout the event.

Laura Rombauer and event host Ransome Rombauer pose alongside one of Ransome’s rescue mini-horses, Miu Miu

Culinary delights were provided by Imagination on Fire and Croccante , followed by coffee and desserts from Subconscious Coffee and Model Bakery . Guests were treated to lively jazz music from the beloved local band, The Gypsy Trio , while Aimée Lomeli Floral Designs added to the event’s charm with stunning bouquets and table garlands. Sunrise Horse Rescue was proud to showcase three of its cherished horses, Chance, Mirage, and Adonis, at the event, while Napa Valley Equine offered engaging demonstrations on horse health monitoring. The event was warmly received by all in attendance, marking another successful chapter in the history of Harvest of Hope .

About Sunrise Horse Rescue: Sunrise Horse Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses in need. Established in 2007 and located in Calistoga, the organization also provides sanctuary for horses that cannot be rehomed due to age or medical conditions. With a commitment to the well-being of horses and community education, Sunrise Horse Rescue continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of horses and humans alike. For more information, visit SunriseHorseRescue.org or contact: Vanessa Renée, Director of Development Sunrise Horse Rescue Phone: (707) 369-0166 Email: vanessa@sunrisehorserescue.org 

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