Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

2013 Andrea Lawrence Award Dinner enjoyed by all

Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

This post was written by Erica Tucker, 2013 Project Specialist.

Over 80 people joined Mono Lake Committee staff and Andrea Lawrence’s family for the annual Andrea Lawrence Award Dinner, held last Friday at Parallax Restaurant on Mammoth Mountain.

Quentin Lawrence speaks at the podium (far left) at the 2013 Andrea Lawrence Award Dinner. Photo by Arya Degenhardt.

It was a beautiful evening, with perfect light for viewing the newly named Mt. Andrea Lawrence. With great food, beautiful views, and inspirational speakers, the evening was a smashing success.

The annual dinner serves as a fundraiser for the Andrea Lawrence Fund, which promotes and celebrates passionate engagement in community and the land with an emphasis on encouraging collaboration and inspiring youth to become environmental leaders. Past recipients of the Andrea Lawrence Award include the Bodie Foundation (2012), Eastern Sierra Audubon (2011), the Mono Lake Committee (2008), and Friends of the Inyo (2007).

Evening entertainment this year included stories from Tom Bohigian (state director for Senator Barbara Boxer), Vikki Bauer (former Mono County Supervisor), and Andrea’s children Quentin and Corty Lawrence about their roles in the peak-naming process. During dinner, guests watched The Mono Lake Story, the Committee’s award winning film.

At dessert, this year’s award winner was announced: Karen Ferrell-Ingram, founding Board member and former Executive Director of the Eastern Sierra Land Trust. The Mono Lake Committee and the Lawrence family recognize her insightful and inspirational leadership in the protection and preservation of Eastern Sierra scenic and working landscapes and the wildlife, and plant communities, and people that depend on them. Karen spoke eloquently and received a standing ovation.

Geoff McQuilkin presents the 2013 Andrea Lawrence Award to Karen Ferrel-Ingram. Photo by Arya Degenhardt.
Karen’s spoke about her work with the Eastern Sierra Land Trust, and about the collective love of the Eastern Sierra that those in attendance share. Photo by Arya Degenhardt.

New this year was a silent auction for the privilege of joining the Lawrence family for a day of skiing at Mammoth Mountain. Lucky winners included Danny & Leslie Whitmore, Chris Lizza, Jake & Lauren Hudson, and Tony Colasardo.

A huge thank you to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area for hosting the dinner and donating the food for this event. And thanks to all who joined us this year for the celebration. The dinner sold out, so make sure to RSVP early next spring!

Guests enjoy appetizers at Mammoth Mountain’s Parallax Restaurant. Photo by Arya Degenhardt.
The newly named Mt. Andrea Lawrence is visible from the restaurant, making it a perfect setting for the annual dinner. Photo by Arya Degenhardt.
All five Lawrence kids and their families attended this year’s dinner—a special treat! Photo by Arya Degenhardt.
Quentin Lawrence and Geoff McQuilkin shared emcee duties for the evening. Photo by Arya Degenhardt.
The Lawrences and the winners of the ski day fundraiser enjoyed a beautiful morning on Mammoth Mountain! Mt. Andrea Lawrence is visible over Geoff’s left shoulder on the right side of the photo. Photo by Geoff McQuilkin.
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