Wilderness Foundation Spotlights the Great Outdoors

A desire to curb childhood obesity as well as to provide the community with outdoor education and environmental awareness inspired a local couple to establish their own foundation.

Sandor Havasi, a civil engineer, and Marilyn Fordney are the brains behind the Havasi Wilderness Foundation. The Agoura-based non-profit organization held its first fundraising event at Hamptons Restaurant at the Four Seasons Westlake Village Hotel on Thursday night.

“I’m concerned that children these days are so engrossed in gadgets and electronics,” said Havasi during his opening remarks. “They spend a lot of time indoors in front of a screen, instead of playing outdoors.”

Agoura Mayor Harry Schwarz’ remarks echoed Havasi’s sentiments as he described growing up in West Hollywood with its scarcity of open spaces. “We’re the gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains with 42 percent of our area designated as open space,” he said. “We’re lucky, because we have the great outdoors where we can do a lot of recreational activities.”

The foundation spreads the word about wildlife and nature preservation through outdoor interactive programs involving children, adults, seniors and special needs groups. It also awards grants to California schools so youngsters can go on exploratory field trips to better appreciate wildlife.

Other organizations that serve children, such as the California Science Center, Zootopia and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, have also benefited from the foundation’s generosity since its inception in 2009.

“All schools that need funds and want students to go on field trips to learn about wildlife are eligible,” said Fordney, adding that they will fund educational materials and transportation for students to travel to state, national and regional parks.

An audio-visual presentation summarizing the foundation’s two-year existence was presented to the approximately 80 guests in attendance. In addition, the silent and live auctions showcased eclectic memorabilia, limited edition prints and signed sports collectibles.

Actress and staunch environmentalist Tippi Hedren, best known for her leading roles in Alfred Hitchcock films, was the guest of honor. Before her speech, Hedren was awarded with a check for The Roar Foundation, Hedren’s non-profit organization. She talked about her involvement in the Shambala Preserve, where she currently resides. “I live right there amidst the large cats, so I wake up to their roars every morning,” she said.

While not everyone has the good fortune of being surrounded by nature and wildlife, Schwarz said there are countless opportunities for outdoor interaction and enjoyment. “Just get out there to hike or participate in the programs being offered in [our] area,” he said. “It’s really good for the soul.”

Havasi agreed. “Do it for yourselves and for the future generations, because they will follow your example,” he said.