Golden State Salmon Association On June 20 Santa Rosa Fundraising Dinner
The following is courtesy of the Golden State Salmon Assoocation:
| Dear Friends of the Golden State Salmon Association, I’m writing to you today about an event that is near and dear to my heart, our GSSA Santa Rosa Dinner. Each year, as I reflect on past dinners and what makes them truly special, I’m reminded that it’s all of you who make our biggest fundraising dinner exciting, successful, and unforgettable. I’ll never forget the first Santa Rosa Dinner I worked in 2018. I’d never witnessed that much enthusiasm between a large group of fishermen before, and it was so fun! I was two months into my new job and about to be handed all of the responsibilities to fully take over the next day. I remember the feelings of excitement, a little anxiety, enough confidence to think I could do it, and a whole lot of passion to continue the great success of this dinner for years to come.  This will be my eighth year organizing this incredible evening. And to be honest, with a potential third-year salmon closure, the planning this year is a little bittersweet. For the first several years, our dinner was held in early April, the night before the salmon season opener. I had no idea how much more I should have appreciated those April openers back then. When COVID hit, we quickly adapted by moving our auction online, and I was amazed by how many people continued to donate and participate in the Santa Rosa dinner festivities. Although, the actual dinner gathering was very much missed that year.  Then, the 2023 salmon closure was announced. I was so nervous the fundraiser wouldn’t live up to its past standards, but by the end of the night, it was clear; the strength of our community and the unwavering support from the industry created an energy and a fight for salmon that couldn’t be stopped! Even with a second closure in 2024, the success of the dinner once again reminded me that you and, of course, the salmon are what keep us all hopeful for the future of salmon fishing. As we gather again this year, I’m really looking forward to the pre-party I have with all the incredible volunteers who spend the day setting up tables, bars, auctions, décor, and raffle items, ensuring every detail is perfect. And then my favorite part of the day: Opening the doors of the Friedman Center to greet old friends and new faces with handshakes, hugs, “cheers!”, fish stories, and heartfelt conversations free flowing throughout the entire night.  The Santa Rosa dinner is a great reminder of why we continue fighting for more salmon, a healthier Sacramento River, and a stronger voice in the legislature. With efforts like parental-based tagging practices, net pen acclimations, trucking baby salmon past low water and predator areas, hatchery reform, and increased fry releases, I strongly believe we’re on the right path. And with your support, we’ll continue to not only hope for the future, but we’ll keep pushing for meaningful change. I look forward to seeing you all at the dinner this year. Share your stories. Bring your support. Let’s make sure that when history looks back on these past few years, they’ll see a community that stood strong for what mattered most. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued dedication to this dinner and to GSSA. Cat Kaiser Operations & Events Director Golden State Salmon Association   Tickets On Sale Now |
