7th Cookout deemed 'a success'

(From the North Scottsdale Independent, October 9, 2002. Written by Emily Soccorsy.)

It was a star-studded evening Sept. 28 when hundreds of local residents headed to Cookout at the Ranch, a benefit for Friends of the Scenic Drive, the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust, among others.

The 7th annual event sold out at 450 tickets, and drew about 500 people out under the Sonoran stars to MacDonald's Ranch, west of Scottsdale Road, Just north of Happy Valley Road. Juicy steaks, crispy sautéed vegetables, Caesar salad and fresh-baked rolls and cookies were the fare for the evening, as diners enjoyed their meals at picnic tables, situated around fire pits.

Besides enjoying the meal, catered by Outback Steakhouse, guests got the chance to visit booths of local organizations like the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust, the Foothills Animal Rescue and local chapters of the Audubon Society and Sierra Club. Winged-visitors from Liberty Wildlife and Wild At Heart drew the admiration of wide-eyed crowds. Well-versed volunteers talked to guests about the birds of prey on display that evening - among them a golden eagle, a bald eagle, and a screeching owl.

Also drawing wows were the three officers of Scottsdale Police Department's mounted unit and their horses.
The mounted unit recently won top honors at a mounted officers competition in Calgary. After raffling off a host of prizes donated from local businesses and closing the silent auction, cowboys and cowgirls listened to the country crooning of Geoff Conklin, son of the event's organizer, Les Conklin. Geoff performs frequently at Greasewood Flat.

Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross, along with councilmen Robert Littlefield and David Ortega, recognized the efforts of Mr. Conklin, as well as executive director of the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust, Carla (her full, legal name) in organizing the benefit. Tim Montgomery of ScenicPimaRoad.com and Carl Schneider were also given appreciation for their roles in the event. The evening wrapped up as it began, with hayrides through the saguaro-silhouetted desert, bringing partied-out revelers back to the parking area. 

The event raised more than $10,000 for its beneficiaries, and was deemed a success by its organizers.
"We had more merchant donations than ever, we sold out, we made more money than ever," Mr. Les Conklin said. "The first year we had 75 people and we've continued to improve It but I think this year is really the best one.