Staff Report
In 2017, the Whittier Fire ripped through the Santa Ynez Mountains near Highway 154, scorching more than 18,000 acres, destroying 16 homes, and burning 47 of the 50 structures at Camp Rancho Alegre, which has been a camping destination used by the Boy Scouts of America and schoolchildren at The Outdoor School for more than 50 years.
Los Padres Council of the Boy Scouts of America has established a capital campaign to rebuild and reframe Rancho Alegre, and, as a way of contributing to the worthy cause, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has announced that the Council will be the main beneficiary of its annual Chumash Charity Golf Classic.
“One of the amazing traits of this community is our instinct to pull together, pitch in and provide help when tragedy strikes,” said Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
“During the Whittier Fire, many brave citizens had an opportunity to rise to the occasion and shine in an emergency situation. When the tribe was asked if we could provide transportation for 80 children and staff who needed to evacuate Circle V Ranch, we sent buses to help our brave first responders complete a dramatic rescue,” he added. “We were ready to help in the moment, and we’re pleased to help Los Padres Council, Boy Scouts of America in the aftermath.”
The two-day Chumash Charity Golf Classic, which will be held Aug. 21-22 at the Alisal River Course in Solvang, will raise money for Los Padres Council and help fund the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Technology in Schools Program, which is aimed at fulfilling high-tech needs in Santa Barbara County classrooms.
It will require an estimated $15.5 million to rebuild, modernize and improve Camp Rancho Alegre. While insurance claims are anticipated to cover $9 million of the total cost, Los Padres Council has launched a $6.5 million capital campaign to complete the project. With the camp closed, young scouts are currently forced to attend scout camps farther away, and The Outdoor School has been relocated to the smaller Camp Whittier.
“We are honored and thankful that the Phoenix Campaign to rebuild Rancho Alegre is the beneficiary of the Chumash Charity Golf Classic for 2019,” said Carlos Cortez, Scout Executive and CEO of Los Padres Council. “Rancho Alegre’s 215 acres provided a unique outdoor education experience to over 4,000 fifth- and sixth-graders annually through The Outdoor School plus hundreds of Scouting adventures. Thank you Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians for supporting our efforts to not only rise from the ashes of the fire but to build a unique community resource available to all families.”
Since its inaugural event in 2005, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ annual golf tournament has raised more than $1.4 million for local charities and nonprofits. Past beneficiaries include the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Dream Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County, Lompoc Family YMCA, Unity Shoppe, and local schools and museums, among others.
To find out more about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and its giving programs, visit www.santaynezchumash.org.
