Fundraiser held at Buttonwood Farm and Winery for C.C. Beaudette-Wellman’s rescue program

Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary held a sold-out fundraiser, “Rock for Horses” on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Buttonwood Farm Winery and Vineyard in Solvang.

The sanctuary was founded in 2007 by C.C. Beaudette-Wellman. It is an all-volunteer organization, dedicated to providing rescue for abused and neglected horses in the Santa Ynez Valley. It has expanded the rescue program to assist senior citizens who are struggling to feed their horses. Their programs include rescue, rehabilitation, adoptions, public education, sanctuary, and an equine-based therapeutic program for at-risk youth called the Horse Angels Program.

The setting for the event was in the outdoor garden at Buttonwood surrounded by peach orchards, olive trees, and vineyards. Twinkling lights were scattered throughout the garden with wooden tables dressed with foliage.

“There was another animal fundraiser scheduled on the same weekend that we had initially planned ours, so we had to postpone our fundraiser until October,” said Alexandra (Aiya) Wellman, Beaudette-Wellman’s daughter.

As guests entered the garden, mostly dressed in Western wear, they were greeted warmly by Beaudette- Wellman. Guests mingled, enjoying Buttonwood wines, and perused the silent auction items. Music was provided by Bad Habit.

“We’re here to help save the horses and have a good time and eat some great food,” said Karen and Thad Miller upon entering the event.

The guests were treated to a dinner of top sirloin, chicken, and vegetarian enchiladas. The catering was a community effort. Frank Kelsey Jr. and Sr. handled the barbecue; Christine Cunningham made her famous enchilada casserole, sponsored by Rio Vista Chevrolet; Craig from Hook’d restaurant (at Lake Cachuma) donated the watermelon salad, which was prepared by Blair Millar; and Catering by Kelli sisters Kelli Davidson, and Kris Krebs prepared a variety of appetizers and desserts created especially for the event.

“We do this for the love of the organization who cares so deeply for horses,” said Davidson. “My sister and I are both equestrians, so this event is near and dear to our hearts. It is a labor of love.”

When guests were seated, Beaudette-Wellman gave a short speech thanking everyone for coming and announcing their Volunteer of the Year.

“It’s mind-blowing how our community has stepped up in a way that warms my heart and tonight is a perfect example of a community effort and that it takes a village! This community’s generosity is staggering and most humbling,” said Beaudette-Wellman. “This year I would like to present the Volunteer of the Year Award to Stephen Blake Harris who has stepped up beyond all imagination and has always risen to the challenge to take on more responsibilities and is well on his way to becoming a wonderful horseman.”

Beaudette-Wellman thanked all those who donated their time, talents, and auction items as well as Neil Schmidt, manager of Buttonwood, and Buttonwood Property Management Inc., for offering the venue. She thanked the late Betty Williams for her devotion to nurturing Buttonwood throughout the years. She also thanked God for “giving me the ability to save lives, and the emotional fortitude to see the worst of humanity at times. It is completely through Him that I am able to do any of this,” she said. She also thanked her husband and daughter for “helping me in this journey. I would not be able to do this without your love and support.”

Beaudette-Wellman continued, describing how Happy Endings contributes to the community and thanking her board and volunteers for their continued help and encouragement.

“Happy Endings Animal Rescue Sanctuary was Founded in 2007 as a 501 c (3) to heal and give sanctuary to animals who need assistance or have no hope of a decent life. We nurture children through our free programs to create new generations of animal lovers and caregivers, as well as educate the public on the proper care and respect for all animals. We teach children to be humanitarians through the vision of our foundation. We believe that through careful nurturing and love, all animals and humans can live a peaceful existence provided with the proper resources, information, and motivation. We are most grateful for the gift of compassion and the opportunity to be of assistance to those in need. We will continue with a strong and determined mission to give children the opportunity to explore infinite possibilities, restore broken hearts, encourage the discouraged and heal the hurting for humans and animals alike,” she said. “And thank you to my amazing board members for helping me every single day and encouraging me when I need it and my incredible volunteers for without them I would be crippled! I am grateful that we have become family! I would also like to thank all my dear friends who lift my spirits, and encourage, and help me, you are my Angels. This whole event is filled with love from all of you, thank you. It doesn’t get any better than that,” she said in conclusion.

The event raised more than $20,000 for the horses and the various programs the sanctuary offers.

Throughout the evening, Courtney Maland of Sunken Treasure SYV was available and happy to oblige, free of charge, those wishing a chair massage.

“This is the fifth-year volunteering chair massages for those who are in need,” said Maland, massage therapist, intuitive bodyworker, and energy alchemist. “I love being here and I love the people and giving back to my community. C.C. used to be my neighbor, so I love to help out.”

The time and effort Beaudette-Wellman has put in to help horses and other animals was not lost on one person very close to her.

“My mother is the most selfless human I have ever known,” said her daughter Alexandra. “All my life I can remember she has dedicated her life to rescuing animals. She did wildlife rescue for 30 years but now focuses on domestic horses. She remains as dedicated today as she was 45 years ago.”

For more information about the organization and the many programs Happy Endings offers, visit HappyEndingsAnimalRescueSanctuary.org.