Calaveras Enterprise

Mentoring fundraiser comes to founder’s ranch




Courtesy photo

As anyone who knew Jim Dalton can tell you, he was a busy man. You wanted something big done? Get Jim on board.

So naturally, when a group of community members gathered to create a nonprofit to support youth mentoring, Jim’s name came up early.

A native of Ireland who built a successful career in construction in the Bay Area, Jim Dalton had visited Calaveras in the heart of the Sierra Foothills wine country in 2000 and found a charming valley surrounded by striking oak trees and historic structures. The dream of growing grapes and being a part of the wine grower community was born. He moved to Calaveras and became not just a prominent vineyard owner, but a pillar of the community.

“Our small and dedicated original board for CMF included George Wendt, Eileen Dawson, Jim Dalton, Kathryn Eustis and me,” said Peggy Lucas, the first president of the Calaveras Mentoring Foundation (CMF) and still on the board to this day.

Peggy Lucas was the vice president of development for Mark Twain Medical Center when the Calaveras Mentoring Foundation idea was taking shape in early 2010. Jim was a close friend, slated to be president of the hospital foundation, and helping raise funds to build a clinic in Angels Camp.

An unexpected illness took Jim’s life in December 2010, and his family honored Jim by continuing to support the clinic project, which has since been built and named James Dalton Medical Office.

And now, 13 years later, Calaveras Mentoring and the Calaveras Mentoring Foundation are thriving and holding this year’s fundraiser at Dalton Ranch. Jim’s daughter Deirdre Dalton Webb has continued to manage the ranch and follow in her father’s philanthropic footsteps.

“We’re thrilled to host the Mentoring Program fundraiser here,” Deirdre said. “Dad would be proud of how our community has continued to support this important program.”

The Denim to Diamonds Gala starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. Tickets are $50 per person with reservations available at the Calaveras Mentoring Foundation website, CalaverasMentoring.org, or by contacting the Calaveras Mentoring Foundation at 209- 736-7706 or calaverasmentoringfoundation@gmail.com.

The gala will include dinner by Upcountry Catering, with a no-host bar featuring donated estate wines by Allegorie Winery, and music by local band Private Reserve. Auctioneer David Bowman will emcee a live auction and raffle. Sponsors of the Denim to Diamonds Gala include Jane and Tad Winans, Richard and Margaret Mills, Safari Smiles Dental, Steve and Carol Mertens, Donna R. Shannon, Claudia and Eric Davis, Peggy and Jerry Lucas, and Cindy Lavagetto and Bill Wittmer.

The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program was founded in 2003 and has served more than 200 young people in Calaveras County. It is administered by the Calaveras County Office of Education.

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