CARLSBAD — The 5th annual Christmas in July at South Carlsbad State Beach raised $24,000 in proceeds for the FCCSB (Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches) almost doubling the amount raised from last year’s event.
Bill Mahoney, founding board member of the FCCSB, attributed the increase in participation to the event being better organized. “With a young nonprofit like this, we’re just starting to get traction,” he said. “Being 3-years-old, people are just becoming aware of the group much more and that was reflected in the success of the day,” he added.
All of the proceeds raised will go directly to the nonprofit organization to provide more events in the future and to continue their educational programs at both parks such as the summertime campfire program, a twice-weekly event free for families and free whale watching talks in the winter.
The money, Mahoney said, will help the organization with their long-term expansions of their educational efforts within both of the parks. “Mostly by creating some permanent exhibits that better explain the elements of nature that people are encountering at both state parks,” Mahoney said.
The nonprofit, founded in 2009, assists and works collaboratively with California State Parks to protect and preserve Cardiff, San Elijo, South Carlsbad and Carlsbad State Beaches.
The organization is looking to add a new secretary to its board this fall. The group is also looking for Community Representatives to represent Encinitas and Carlsbad merchants and residents, joining the group’s Cardiff Community Representative.
FCCSB holds monthly board meetings on the last Thursday of each month and Project Committee meetings on the second Tuesday of each month.
The nonprofit group promotes environmental ethics, funds interpretive educational programs, organizes special events and enhances the recreational experiences of the visitors and local citizens.
Individuals can contribute to FCCSB by becoming a “Friend” of the local beaches with an annual financial donation starting at $35. Contact Bill Mahoney at (858) 603-2705 or email [email protected]
