Consent Item 4g
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: February 20, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Jennifer Lourenzo, Conference Center Manager
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: River Lodge Conference Center and Fortuna Monday Club Monthly Report for January 2024
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The River Lodge and Monday Club held 28 events in January.
There were nine scheduled monthly meetings between the two facilities. One wedding reception, three birthday celebrations, and three baby showers were also held.
CalFire held a three-day training at River Lodge. It’s always a pleasure having their group at River Lodge.
For the first time, the Mendocino County Black-tail Deer Association held a dinner and auction fundraiser at River Lodge. The event sold out and were able to raise a large amount of money for their cause. The group aims to improve the conditions of Black-tail deer herds in the B-zones of Northern California. The group has already reserved a day at River Lodge for January 2025. Pictured left are decorations from this event.
Consent Item 4g
Four years have passed since a Bridal Fair was held at the River Lodge. River Lodge staff partnered with the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce, to bring it back this year. Staff are pleased that the “Before I Do” wedding show was a huge success! There were 38 vendors consisting of caterers, photographers, food trucks, jewelry sales, wedding coordinators, event rentals & decor, formal wear, disc jockeys, bartenders, venues, and bakery chefs. Gift bags were handed out to the first 100 attendees. Staff looks forward to having another show next year while implementing a few changes and improvements. Staff would like to recognize Felicia Thomsson with the Chamber of Commerce for bringing our ideas to fruition. Below are some photos from the event.
Another informational and enjoyable State of the City breakfast was held at River Lodge. Guest speakers shared the achievements and prosperous developments that Fortuna is working on.
Sunrise Rotary held its annual Seafood Boil Fundraiser. The Seafood Boil is an impressive event with traditional southern Cajun style. The food is cooked under the portico out in front of the River Lodge and guests dine on a meal dumped right in the middle of their table. This event was sold out.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive River Lodge & Monday Club Monthly Report. Consent Agenda vote.