Mingle with Members ~ Casino Edition

The energy at Mingle with Members ~ Casino Edition was electrifying, and we are overflowing with gratitude for your enthusiastic presence and unwavering support throughout the evening.


With over 80 attendees eager to mingle, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement from the moment the doors opened. Blackjack and Bingo stole the show, with many of you diving into the games and even enjoying a bit of AHLF-themed trivia during Bingo sessions.


A huge round of applause to our 6 opportunity-drawing winners, who walked away with fantastic prizes, from AHLF Swag to a private Limoncello tasting for 6. Clearly, luck was on your side!


We're thrilled to announce that we welcomed 23 new members from Friday to Sunday, bringing us even closer to our goal of 1,000 Members by July of 2024. Your enthusiasm for AHLF is truly inspiring!


None of this would have been possible without the mouthwatering delights crafted by Mexico City Cuisine and BuckBoard Catering. Their delectable dishes fueled us for a night of winning and mingling, and we're grateful for their culinary mastery.


And let's raise a toast to our drink sponsors—Venom Vodka, The Pure Project, Athletic Brewing, and Pegasus Estate Wine. Your libations added an extra layer of enjoyment to the festivities, and we appreciate your support in making the night unforgettable.


Last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to our incredible team. Events like this are a testament to your dedication and hard work, and we're grateful for all you do to support our members and the lagoon.


Event Organizer: Erin Hardin, Director of Community Relations

Bingo Announcer: Samantha Passovoy (Discovery Center Director)

Blackjack Manager: Emily Bonds (Director of Education)

Check-in: Samantha Richter (COO) and Taylor Sais (Board of Directors)

Poker Manager: Lisa Rodman (CEO & President) and Samantha Richter (COO)

Member Sign-Up & BlackJack Turn-in: Aaron Weiss (Assistant Manager of the Discovery Center) and Carly Clavier (Volunteer Coordinator)

Bar: Larissa Hepburn (Director of Trails & Conservation)

Parking and Facilities: Al Cerda (Facilities and Trails Manager)

Decor: Lissa Schroeder (Educational Coordinator) and Grant Thompson (Educational Coordinator)

Pre-Event Registration: Harini Natarajan (Data Entry Specialist)

Volunteers: Denae, Rhonda, Marybeth, Ricki, Chet, Terrell, Leslie, and Anne

View more

share this

Related Articles

Avian Adventure Day 2026 Recap

June 29, 2026
Bright and early on Sunday morning, more than 90 people gathered with binoculars and coffee in hand for a morning of birding, learning, and adventure. Participants of all ages kicked off the day with local birding experts Bobby Brett and Rick Grove, who introduced the basics of birdwatching before leading groups along the Discovery Trail and throughout the Discovery Campus. Along the way, guests spotted native birds, learned fascinating bird facts, and took turns viewing wildlife through high-powered spotting scopes. After a quick coffee refill, attendees gathered on beautiful Newell's Terrace for an unforgettable presentation by Hillary Hankey, founder of Avian Behavior Conservancy. Hillary and her team introduced four incredible avian ambassadors—the Swainson's Hawk, White-faced Owl, King Vulture, and White-necked Raven—giving guests the rare opportunity to see these remarkable birds up close while learning about their behaviors, adaptations, and conservation. The undeniable star of the show was the mischievous White-necked Raven, whose playful antics and impressive tricks had the audience laughing throughout the presentation. Following the program, guests met the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation's Raptor Specialists and interns while getting an up-close look at the birds of prey that call the Discovery Campus home. With a hands-on craft station for children, beautiful weather, and a meaningful way to celebrate Father's Day surrounded by nature, Avian Adventure Day was the perfect blend of education, exploration, and family fun.

Lagoona Kahuna Clean Up Challenge 2026

May 14, 2026
Lagoona Kahuna Clean Up Challenge Recap, brought to you by Capture The Impact Sponsor:

Lagoona Kahuna Family Clean Up 2026

May 14, 2026
Lagoona Kahuna Clean Up Challenge Recap, brought to you by Capture The Impact Sponsor:
ALL ARTICLES