LAEC Pays a Visit to LA Parks Foundation
An article by Jennie Nevin, Executive Director of Business Development & Communications - Los Angeles Equestrian Center
Greetings LA Parks Foundation Supporters!
On a hot and sunny day in Griffith Park, LAEC Marketing Manager, Erica Greenberg and I ventured to the end of Commonwealth Ave to visit the LA Parks Foundation Nursery house. Our mission? Connect with the incredible team dedicated to nurturing California native trees and plants, and raising funds to ensure our local parks thrive for the communities of Los Angeles.
From left to right - Jennie Nevin, Tony Budrovich, Estefany Salas, Cameron De Anda, Av'ry Hughes, Erica Greenberg, and Corazon Rios
Led by Executive Director, Tony Budrovich, we were warmly welcomed into a lively atmosphere of passionate conversation and shared visions. Over hearty sandwiches, Estefany Salas, the Program & Project Manager, eloquently articulated LAPF’s mission of “enhancing, expanding, preserving, and promoting public parks, recreation, and open spaces throughout LA.”
We shared ideas about our budding partnership aimed at supporting the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. By facilitating community donations, we aim to sustain this cherished site for future generations. Though Deputy Director, Justin Yoshimaru, couldn’t join us, we recognized his invaluable contribution to launching LAPF’s donation page in time to share our inaugural LAEC Friends of the Park campaign on local KTLA morning news alongside the Hollywood Charity Horse Show and our first donor, Mr. William Shatner!
Tony’s visit to the LA Equestrian Center left him enchanted by this hidden gem a lush 75-acre garden oasis nestled on the edge of Griffith Park in the local Rancho Community home to 500 horses and 300,000 visitors each year. Our conversation delved deeper as Operations Manager, Corazon Rios shared her passion for marathons, her dreams of horseback riding, and the LAPF’s commitment to supporting the parks, which help integrate physical activity and wellness into urban life and make parks accessible to all.
Our discussion took a delightful turn when we touched upon the growing trend of Rodeo-themed birthday parties inspired by Beyoncé’s latest country album. Development Associate, Av'ry Hughes exclaimed "you had me at Beyonce. I can't wait to help raise the awareness for the LAPF and the LAEC and to work together to bring unforgettable experiences to all those who visit LA Parks.”
Tony closed our meeting with optimism, highlighting ASM Global’s dedication to enhancing operations at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, prioritizing our growth, and ensuring a bright future for this beloved venue. As if scripted, our visit concluded with an unexpected adventure—a tour of the nursery led by Nursery Manager, Cameron De Anda, who had expertly relocated a rattlesnake to create a safe path for us to explore.
In true LA fashion, our day ended with excitement and anticipation. We look forward to embarking on this journey together, confident in the boundless potential of our partnership.