Southern Sierran Newport Back Bay concert a huge success for OC True Cost of Food

Aug. 7 was a great day for conservation efforts in north Orange County!

The newly-formed Orange County Group True Cost of Food Campaign held a fundraiser at the MUTH Interpretive Center in the Newport Back Bay.

Photo courtesy Rachel Myers Hundreds gathered at the Muth Interpretive Center in August to raise money for Orange County conservation programs, learn more about sustainable eating, and sample premium organic wines, vegetarian and vegan cuisine donated by local vendors.

The goal of the evening was to teach people that eating locally grown, organic foods from lower on the food chain can play a positive role in environmental health and help support conservation efforts in north Orange County.

The OC True Cost of Food Campaign asserts that with each meal choice, you can vote to either help or harm the environment. And there's no better way to help the environment than sampling organic wines and premier vegetarian food!

Concert organizers sold out all 300 seats within months of beginning ticket sales. With features like organic wines, vegetarian food, and two musical performers it is no wonder the event was so popular.

A message of sustainability flowed throughout the evening, right down to the plates, forks and, cups. Biodegradable Food Service provided these eating utensils, made out of environmentally friendly materials like sugarcane, bamboo, and corn.

Premier vegetarian and vegan food vendors, including Au Lac, Mother's Market and Kitchen, Native Foods, Whole Foods, Health Emporium, Bodhi Tree, and Wellness International donated delicious food and drinks.

Organic Vintners, through the wonderful store Hi-Times donated 10 cases of organic wines and even sent bartenders to serve the wine!

All of the vendors donated raffle prizes such as dinners for two, gift certificates, and baskets. Hi-Times gave a much-sought-after $150 gift basket of organic wines.

Tree of Life Nursery donated beautiful native plant arrangements for the raffle as well.
Ed Begley Jr., spokesman for the TCOF campaign, had autographed his new environmentally-friendly cleaning product, Begley's Best, for the raffle.

Friends of Newport Bay docents were on hand giving behind-the-scenes tours of the venue.

Birkin Newell, a classical cellist who has toured the world with the Orange County Youth Symphony, greeted the sold-out crowd as they filed down the scenic walkway overlooking the Back Bay.

After a very successful raffle of donations from all of the generous vendors, the crowd sat down to a performance from Toulouse Engelhardt, an acoustic guitarist.

Engelhardt's vibrant music was a perfect accompaniment to the setting of the Back Bay.

For a list of vendor contacts please call Rachel Myers at 213-387-4287 x210 or e-mail rachel.myers@sierraclub.org.

Many thanks to all of the volunteers and vendors that helped to make this event a success!