Above: Holli Lienau, RSF resident and founder of “Holli”day…Anyday! brings the 10th annual Bullies Uncorked fundraiser to her residence on June 1. Courtesy photo
The 10th annual Bullies Uncorked fundraiser to benefit Southern California Bulldog Rescue on June 1 will have a unique twist. Its longstanding venue in San Juan Capistrano is changing this year with guests and their pets making a beeline to Rancho Santa Fe to the private estate of Holli Lienau, the founder of “Holli”day…Anyday!, who is hosting the afternoon soiree.
“Holli”day…Anyday is underwriting Bullies Uncorked so that 100% of the proceeds will go to directly to Southern California Bulldog Rescue.
Bullies Uncorked is considered one of the most significant fundraisers for the organization, a top-shelf adult community outreach program to help the San Diego bulldog community.
According to Director Skip Van Der Marliere, the program was established in Orange County, but its bulldog rescue program has grown in the San Diego area which means there is an ongoing need for community education, outreach and fundraising activities.
“Bullies Uncorked is being hosted by Holli and it’s a very special event as it shows that fundraisers can be many things at one time such as outreach, raising funds for charity, and most importantly a ‘fun’ environment for our guests,” he said, adding both silent and live auction items will be available.
As part of the $50 ticket price per person and $10 per dog, guests will take part in wine, beer, and cider tastings. “Holli” day…Anyday handpicked local tequila and local vodka purveyors, each stirring up their own specialty drink. Appetizers pairings will also be available for guests.
Lienau, who has her own YouTube cooking show, “Easy Breezy Kitchen,” will be on hand mixing up food and cocktail demos throughout the day for show segments.
An avid dog lover, Lienau admits that bulldogs hold a special place in her heart.
“I have two bulldogs now and had two in the past — they are such a special breed, and it is amazing how many dogs end up in shelters and awful conditions,” Lienau said. “These are an expensive breed, and because of this, there are breeders not in good standing with the shortsighted goal of making money.”
Lienau said bulldogs are sweet animals with unique personalities and it’s organizations like Southern California Bulldog Rescue which serves as their advocates.
“SCBR does such a great job, and it is amazing how many bulldogs they rescue and prepare for adoption. I adopted my younger bulldog from SCBR,” she said.
Van Der Marliere said it’s not uncommon for people to be surprised about the need for a bulldog rescue program.
“These are very popular dogs and expensive purchases for the first-time owner — many are also shocked that there are so many bulldogs in need due to the lack of homes for them all,” he said.
Lienau, who has hosted this event every year, said it’s a special time for pet parents to spend with their four-legged kiddos. She added it is essential to bring the event to San Diego because it raises awareness on the nonprofit’s newly formed San Diego Chapter.
“My property in the Ranch is a perfect parklike setting that works great for having dogs attend — in the past, we had to limit the number of dogs due to space constraints at the venue in San Juan Capistrano, so Bullies Uncorked 2019 is expanding,” she said.
In addition to hosting the event, “Holli”day…Anyday! is also tossing its auction hat into the ring by offering a “Harvest and Pizza Party” experience. The winner and their guests will harvest wine grapes at Lienau’s private Rancho Santa Fe vineyard. After a day of a Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Syrah grape harvest, Lienau said she will prepare a memorable gourmet pizza party. The winner will also have a complimentary one-night stay at the historic Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.
Van Der Marliere said the beauty of Lienau’s estate coupled with that fact that event goers can bring their pet with them is significant.
“Holli does a wonderful job hosting this event with the selection of fine wines, artisanal beers and variety of food for the guests. Rescue volunteers also take a lot of pride in the collection of donation items made available for auction to benefit the rescue,” he said. “Holli has been a blessing to our rescue and deeply committed to making sure that we reach the goals of helping as many bulldogs as possible in the community. Her commitment to the bulldog breed isn’t just limited to the bulldogs in San Diego but to bulldogs located throughout Southern California — she makes it a personal goal to help the neediest of bulldogs brought to her attention, and she’s an active cheerleader for all animals in need.”
For more information and tickets for Bullies Uncorked on June 1 from 1 to 4 p.m., visit www.SoCalBullDogRescue.org/event/bullies-uncorked/.
Advanced ticket sales are $50 per person, but ticket sales at the door will be available for $55.