CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - By June tradition, a gala and art auction hosted more than 200 guests in the Effie Yeaw Nature Center last weekend.

Supporters of the beloved Carmichael nonprofit organization wined, dined and opened wallets to purchase art and cultural experiences. 

Much of the proceeds will fund programs at the 48-year-old facility, named for pioneer nature educator and Carmichael resident Effie Yeaw. 

Outreach continues under the aegis of the non-profit American River Natural History Association.

Reinvented this year with a camp theme, the Camp Effie Yeaw fundraiser included a barbecue dinner and s’mores dessert buffet. A quartet from nearby Rio Americana High School provided jazzy interludes.

Auctioneer Keith McLane encouraged bidding; patrons raised paddles to fund Nature Center needs. 

Television anchor Molly Reihl was the emcee.

2024 sponsors included CBEC Eco Engineering, Charles Dailey, Helen Diepenbrock, Marcy Friedman, Bob and Deborah Moskovitz, Drs Kevin Tanner and Gabrielle Rasi, Supervisor Rich Desmond, and Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Council. 

Proceeds are not known, as of press time. 

For Nature Center information, visit https://www.effieyeawnature.org/.