There are certain evenings that stay with you long after the last guest has gone home.
For us, the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund Annual Fall Kickoff on September 17, 2026, was one of those evenings.
We had the pleasure of welcoming members and guests to 4773 El Mirlo, our Westside Covenant property, for an evening centered on friendship, philanthropy, and the shared desire to make a meaningful difference in our community.
As longtime members of the Rancho Santa Fe community, we believe that one of the most rewarding parts of living and working here is the opportunity to connect with people who care deeply about making a difference. The Women's Fund is a wonderful example of that spirit.
Hosted and underwritten by K. Ann Brizolis and Jennifer J. Janzen of Brizolis Janzen & Associates, the evening brought together women from across the community to celebrate the beginning of another year of giving, volunteering, and building meaningful relationships.
A Shared Commitment to Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego
The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund is built around a simple but powerful idea: when women come together and pool their resources, time, and experience, they can create a meaningful impact throughout the community.
Each year, members support nonprofit organizations addressing important needs across San Diego County. The organization’s grantmaking focuses on two key areas: Children & Youth and Women’s Services.
This year's Fall Kickoff marked the beginning of another grantmaking season, and there was plenty to celebrate.
Board Chair Mary Consalvi welcomed members and guests and shared updates about the organization’s work and plans for the year ahead. One particularly notable update was the receipt of a record 179 Letters of Intent for the upcoming grant cycle.
The Women's Fund was also recently nominated for the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Grantmaker of the Year award, recognizing the organization's ongoing philanthropic efforts.
For us, these milestones are a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with a common purpose.
Building Friendships Through Philanthropy
One of the things we value most about the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund is that its impact extends beyond financial giving.
It creates opportunities for women to meet, form friendships, volunteer together, and become more connected to the needs of the community.
That spirit was very much present at 4773 El Mirlo.
Throughout the evening, members had the opportunity to reconnect with longtime friends, meet new members, and learn more about ways they could become involved during the coming year.
Social Chairs Anne Thorson and Jennifer Steber introduced Tables of 8, a new initiative intended to create smaller, more personal opportunities for members to connect.
Volunteer Chairs Lisa Hwang and Lynn LaRue also highlighted opportunities to volunteer with local nonprofit organizations, including an upcoming event with A Step Beyond.
We loved seeing these conversations unfold throughout the evening.
Philanthropy isn't only about writing a check. It can also mean giving your time, sharing your experience, volunteering alongside others, and creating relationships that continue long after an event ends.
Looking Toward the Future of Education
Another highlight of the evening was hearing from Dr. Mark Milliron, President and CEO of National University.
His presentation, “Toward a New Possible in Education: Infrastructure, Design, and Models,” explored how education may continue to evolve and how new approaches could shape learning opportunities for future generations.
The conversation was particularly relevant given the Women's Fund's focus on Children & Youth.
It encouraged guests to think about the systems, structures, and ideas that can influence education and create new opportunities for students.
We are grateful to Programs Chair Amy Myers and Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund member Barbara Metzler for helping bring Dr. Milliron to the event and for creating an engaging and thought-provoking part of the evening.
Why Philanthropy Matters in Rancho Santa Fe
When people think about Rancho Santa Fe, they often think about its beautiful landscapes, privacy, distinctive architecture, and exceptional homes.
But those of us who live and work here know that the community is about much more than real estate.
It is also about relationships.
It is about neighbors supporting one another, local organizations creating opportunities to connect, and individuals choosing to give their time and resources to causes that matter.
The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund reflects that community spirit beautifully.
Its members come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, but they share a commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations and strengthening communities throughout San Diego County.
4773 El Mirlo: A Setting Designed for Gathering
The evening also gave our guests an opportunity to experience 4773 El Mirlo, a remarkable estate located on approximately 4.55 acres in Rancho Santa Fe's coveted Westside Covenant.
The approximately 5,400-square-foot residence has been extensively reimagined, combining timeless architectural details with updated interiors and beautifully designed outdoor spaces.
The property features expansive grounds, a pool and spa, and inviting areas designed for entertaining.
But what we enjoyed most about the evening was seeing the property used exactly as a home should be used: as a place where people can gather, connect, share conversations, and create memories.
A beautiful home becomes even more meaningful when it provides the setting for something bigger than itself.
On September 17, 4773 El Mirlo became a place for friendship, conversation, philanthropy, and community.
Celebrating the Women Behind the Mission
An evening like this does not happen because of one person.
We want to extend our sincere appreciation to Mary Consalvi, Board Chair of the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund, for her leadership and dedication.
We are also grateful to Amy Myers and Barbara Metzler for helping coordinate the evening's presentation, as well as Social Chairs Anne Thorson and Jennifer Steber and Volunteer Chairs Lisa Hwang and Lynn LaRue for their work throughout the year.
Most importantly, we want to recognize the many members and volunteers who continue to give their time, energy, resources, and ideas to the organization.
Their commitment is what makes the Women's Fund possible.
For us, it was a privilege to host and underwrite this year's Fall Kickoff. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so memorable.
We look forward to seeing what another year of friendship, volunteerism, and philanthropy brings.
Discover 4773 El Mirlo in Rancho Santa Fe
For those interested in Rancho Santa Fe luxury real estate, 4773 El Mirlo offers an opportunity to experience the privacy and character of the Westside Covenant.
The approximately 4.55-acre estate is currently offered at $7,995,000 and features an extensively renovated residence, generous grounds, and resort-inspired outdoor amenities.
Beyond its architecture and amenities, the property offers something that is difficult to measure: space to gather and create meaningful experiences.
That is exactly what we were fortunate enough to experience during the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund Fall Kickoff.
If you would like to learn more about 4773 El Mirlo or schedule a private showing, visit Brizolis Janzen & Associates at Pacific Sotheby's International Realty.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund Fall Kickoff
When was the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund Annual Fall Kickoff held?
The Annual Fall Kickoff was held on September 17, 2026, at 4773 El Mirlo in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
Where was the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund event held?
The event was hosted at 4773 El Mirlo, an approximately 4.55-acre estate located in Rancho Santa Fe's Westside Covenant.
What does the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund support?
The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund supports nonprofit organizations throughout San Diego County, with current funding priorities focused on Children & Youth and Women’s Services.
How many Letters of Intent did the Women's Fund receive?
The organization received a record 179 Letters of Intent for the upcoming grant cycle.
Who hosted the Fall Kickoff?
The event was hosted and underwritten by K. Ann Brizolis and Jennifer J. Janzen of Brizolis Janzen & Associates.
What is 4773 El Mirlo?
4773 El Mirlo is a luxury estate in Rancho Santa Fe's Westside Covenant. The property sits on approximately 4.55 acres and includes an approximately 5,400-square-foot residence, pool and spa, expansive grounds, and outdoor entertaining spaces.
Is 4773 El Mirlo currently for sale?
Yes. At the time of this article, 4773 El Mirlo is offered at $7,995,000 through Brizolis Janzen & Associates at Pacific Sotheby's International Realty.
A Night That Reminded Us What Community Is About
The Fall Kickoff was much more than an evening at a beautiful Rancho Santa Fe estate.
It was an opportunity to celebrate the women who give their time and resources to support others, to welcome new members, to strengthen friendships, and to look ahead to another year of meaningful work.
That is what makes Rancho Santa Fe such a special community.
The homes and landscapes may be part of what draws people here, but the people are what make it feel like home.
We were honored to open the doors of 4773 El Mirlo for an evening that celebrated exactly that.
Here's to another year of building friendships through philanthropy, supporting our community, and giving back together.
