The East Mountains Protection Action Coalition (EMPAC), a grassroots, all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing irresponsible development in the East Mountains communities, will host a community gathering on July 9, at 6:30 p.m.
The event, held at Lantern Ridge Farm (12540 NM-14, Sandia Park), aims to raise funds for legal costs associated with various projects that EMPAC opposes.
The gathering is designed to be a social event, featuring live music, food, drinks and the unveiling of the winning design for the ‘Welcome to Sandia Park’ sign contest held in May.
Guest speakers include State Senator Ant Thornton, State Representative Stefani Lord, both of whom are appellants in the Campbell Ranch Farming development appeal, and Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas.
“We are excited to bring our community together for this important cause,” said Dennis Kellogg, EMPAC president. “We are thrilled to have our local political representatives join us as speakers. Their support underscores the importance of our cause, and every dollar raised will go directly towards legal costs that are crucial for protecting our environment and ensuring responsible development practices.”
Charlene Smith, EMPAC representative, added, “We are incredibly grateful to our community partners at Lantern Ridge for offering their beautiful venue and providing a 10% discount coupon to donors of $50 or more. It’s a true collaboration.”
Space is limited, and EMPAC requests that the public RSVP to info@theempac by July 6.