Arriving on Dolce, my Friesian, with Kathy Azevedo,
former mayor of Norco
My “Surterre family"
SCD claims the lives of more than 356,000 Americans a year,
according to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.
For both Adrienne and R.J., the marriage of supporting HeartFelt, with
the mission of SilverLakes, was a win-win. Several hundred guests
converged on a warm summer Saturday night to join the cause.
“No gifts, please,” Adrienne made clear on her invitation. “Instead, we
welcome donations to HeartFelt.”
Josh Mullins, grandson, Patrick Brennan, son, Nate Mullins,
grandson
Holly Morrell, Founder
of Heartfelt
“On my horse, I am at peace,” she once said.
Celebrating a major milestone birthday at an equestrian ranch was
perfection. Oh, and by the way, the 130-acre property in Norco is
called SilverLakes, a close-to-the-heart project owned and operated
by the Brandes. And that is where the real story begins.
R.J. envisioned SliverLakes as a community center for kids, especially
at-risk youth in the Inland Empire. He wanted a safe place for kids to
play soccer and get involved in a variety of positive learning and
growing activities that would make a difference in young lives.
And they came, some $25,000 from friends. R.J.’s gift came in the
form of matching the dollars. By the end of the evening more than
$50,000 was raised.
As for the party, it was pure Adrienne. Entering SilverLakes on Dolce,
and flanked by two additional riders, set the Western tone for the
event. A fabulous barbecue followed, and there was plenty of
dancing under the stars and a major stage production starring
Adrienne’s favorite, Rod Stewart (not the real one).
To learn more about HeartFelt, please visit heartfelt.org.
SilverLakes was a multi-million-dollar business venture, but it was also
a form of grassroots community outreach with the goal of making
kids’ lives better. Over the past decade, this goal has been realized.
Fittingly, R.J. and Adrienne, both noted for their broad philanthropy,
planned the birthday party to benefit HeartFelt, which funds
research into Sudden Cardiac Death. HeartFelt provides free
screening to young athletes in hopes of identifying contributing
conditions that might potentially lead to serious health issues,
including death, on a playing field.
Guests dining
Photos courtesy of Regina Lee
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