Category: News

Rancho Obi-Wan would like to thank the following folks for their help with and support of our recent fundraiser at The Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. It takes so many people to produce an event like this, we hope we haven’t forgotten anyone! The event raised $49,369.06, and when doubled by a generous match from Lisa Stevens & Vic Wertz, the total became $98,738.12! Funds raised are used for insurance, utilities, wildland fire defensible space, professional services, maintenance on the buildings, and protection and preservation of the collection.

This allows us to continue to use the collection to inspire–thank you for joining us in our mission! Your generosity makes it all possible.

Thank you to all our Attendees and Absentee Bidders–we love visiting with you!

Rancho Obi-Wan Board Members
Steve Sansweet
Anne Neumann
Gus Lopez
Duncan Jenkins
Rich Smolen
Michael Wistock
Dan Norgan
Pete Vilmur
Lisa Stevens

The Saga Museum Leadership Team
Steve Sansweet
Anne Neumann
Gus Lopez
Duncan Jenkins
Rich Smolen
Michael Wistock
Lisa Stevens
Vic Wertz

Host
Mark Daniel

Key Art Design
Curt Hanks

emroosh Productions
Mark Rusciano

 

 

 
Sponsors
Creative Fundraising Advisors
Hallmark
Joel & Debra Luker
Propstore
Skywalker Vineyards
Tony Clemens & Silvia Clemens

Patrons
Alex Cohn
Chad Giacomozzi
Daniel Uthman
Gail DeGiulio
George Lai
Kendall Gelner
Chickaphant
Nilmini Klur
Peter Arcuri
Warzers
William Magalio
Anonymous Donors

Guitar Exhibit
Gus Lopez
Steve Sansweet
Lisa Stevens
Vic Wertz
Jim Gibbons

Auction Donors
Amy Sjoberg
Brad Cook for ColinCantwell.com
Britt Lightning
Charmaine Cuddie
Curt Hanks
Duncan Jenkins
Funko
Gus Lopez
Hallmark
Jerry VanderStelt
JM Cellars
Jim Gibbons
Jody Plank
Lisa Stevens
Mark Raats
Michael O’Shields
Po Zu
Propstore
Russell Walks
San Francisco Giants Baseball Club
Spencer Brinkerhoff III
Stan Stice for Ralph McQuarrie Archives
Steve Sansweet
Surrell Restaurant
The Herbfarm Restaurant
Toby Todd
Tom Johnson for Skywalker Vineyards
Tom Spina Designs
Vic Wertz
Walt Crowley

Volunteers
Beto Lopez
Joseph Pedersen
Sarah Silverman-Pucci
Kevin Lam
Luke Yates
Paul Hoeffer
David Pucci
Mercedes Santaella-Lam
Tony Damata
Amy Sjoberg
Jim Gibbons
Mark Rusciano
Susan Rogers
Thomas Stewart
Michal Stewart
Curt Hanks
Anne Jenkins
Red Dodge Wistock
Lorena Gies
Devonna Dickey
Kim Buckley
Laura Roberts
Daniel Roberts
Jenny Morales
Tony Clemens
Silvia Clemens
Dwayne Smith
David Buckley
Yannik Morales
Aileen Sweeney

Friday Collection Tour Hosts
Gus Lopez & Pam Green
Lisa Stevens & Vic Wertz

Wine Tasting & Charcuterie
Earl Bergquist
Anne Neumann
Lorena Gies
Michal Stewart
Duncan Jenkins
Anne Jenkins
Jim Gibbons

Skywalker Ranch wine donated by Scott Magerfleisch
in loving memory of Melissa Magerfleisch

Drivers
Tom Stewart
Jim Gibbons

Publicity
Consetta Parker
David Perry & Assoc.

Creative Fundraising Advisors
Joanne Curry
Nico Gervasoni
Paul Johnson

Cinema Relics
The Saga Museum video
Dan Lanigan
Jason Henry
Jason Baffa
Carson Oyler

MoPOP Staff
Elisabeth Fleming-Prot
Ed Maloney
Mae Salizon
Stephanie Lansbery
Jacob McMurray
Briana Van Over

The Big Drive
Anne Neumann
Lorena Gies
Susan Rogers
Anastasia Lipske
Dwayne Smith

Emotional Support Humans
Tracy Kelly
Victoria Webb
Joanie Neumann
Pam Green
Bob Canning
Anne Jenkins
Red Wistock
Temple Smolen
Garet Jones

Photo Booth
Coachella Party

The Ballad of Rancho Obi-Wan
a parody of “The Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle”
in loving memory of Stewart Levy & Jerry Treiber

Rancho Obi-Wan’s Saturday October 5 Fundraiser at Seattle’s MoPOP
Set to Be a Galactic Event for Star Wars Fans

World’s Largest Collection of Star Wars Memorabilia
Set to Make Major Announcement at Event
Featuring Auction of Rare and Sought After Items

Acclaimed Comic, Influencer and “Super Fan” Mark Daniel to Emcee

12 September 2024 – San Francisco / Seattle: “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…..” Actually, not far away, and coming up on Saturday, October 5, fans of the Star Wars universe are gearing up for an out-of-this-world experience as the acclaimed nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan home to the world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection as confirmed by Guinness World Records, hosts a special fundraiser at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). This rare one-night-only event includes food, drink, an exhibit of “Star Wars Inspired Guitars” and of course, opportunities to buy and bid at auction on rare Star Wars collectibles.  Special guest emcee for the evening is noted Star Wars Super Fan and online influencer Mark Daniel.  At the end of the evening, Rancho Obi-Wan will be making a major announcement about the future of the collection.

“The Force is strong with this event, and strong with our legions of fans from the light and dark side who support our mission,” said Steve Sansweet, who founded the nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan in 2011. “Our mission is to inspire people by showcasing the collection and promoting a warm, joyous, inclusive environment for a fun, authentic fan experience, Rancho Obi-Wan presents collectibles and works of art, including fan-made pieces, to inspire others to be imaginative, creative, seek information and learn new crafts.”

The highly anticipated October 5 event at MoPOP marks a significant milestone—the first fundraiser held outside the museum’s Petaluma, California base.  Located just north of San Francisco, thousands of people have experienced the collection, which now comprises a fan base from 59 countries.

“Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture is the perfect spot for this event,” Sansweet continued. “Their collection which includes significant sci-fi elements is sure to delight our attendees. Plus, where else can you take a monorail to a party.”

The evening promises to be a true celebration of Star Wars fandom, with a variety of immersive experiences planned. Attendees will be treated to passed appetizers, a grazing bar, and a dessert bar, all while mingling among iconic Star Wars props and costumes in MoPOP’s extensive galleries. The event will also feature a special exhibit from Rancho Obi-Wan, showcasing Star Wars-themed guitars that are sure to strike a chord with fans of all ages.

“Rancho Obi-Wan is more than just a collection: It’s a celebration of the creativity and passion that Star Wars has inspired in millions of fans worldwide,” said special guest emcee Daniel, the energetic and beloved host of Star Wars Celebration events. “I’m thrilled to be part of an event that brings this incredible community together.”

The evening’s program includes both a live and silent auction, offering attendees the chance to take home rare and unique Star Wars collectibles. Sansweet emphasized the importance of this event in preserving the museum’s vast collection.

“Rancho Obi-Wan is a testament to the enduring legacy of Star Wars, and this fundraiser is crucial in helping us continue to share that legacy with fans for generations to come,” he said.  “This collection is, truly, a global treasure of galactic proportions.

Among the items being auctioned off are special “Rancho Obi-Wan Star Wars Experiences” such as: exclusive tours of private Star Wars collections, including those belonging to Rancho Obi-Wan’s Vice President, Gus Lopez, as well as longtime Star Wars collectors
Rancho Obi-Wan board member, Lisa Stevens, and Vic Wertz. These tours, paired with a Skywalker Vineyards wine tasting, offer a rare glimpse into the personal treasures of some of the most dedicated Star Wars collectors in the world. Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) known for its dedication to pop culture, provides the perfect venue for this galactic gathering.

“Our museum is dedicated to providing immersive experiences that inspire and connect diverse communities, which made hosting Rancho Obi-Wan’s fundraiser at MoPOP a natural fit,” said Jacob McMurray, MoPOP Chief Collections + Exhibitions Officer.  “We’re honored to partner with Rancho Obi-Wan on an evening showcasing the beloved Star Wars franchise and to raise money for an important cause.”

As guests explore the galleries and participate in the evening’s events, they will also have the opportunity to take photos with costumed Star Wars characters, ensuring that every moment of the evening is filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Tickets for the fundraiser are priced at $350, with a special rate of $300 for Rancho Obi-Wan members. For those looking to enhance their experience, add-on tickets for the exclusive collection tours are available for $550. All proceeds from the event will support Rancho Obi-Wan’s mission to preserve and share the world’s most comprehensive Star Wars collection. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit  https://ranchoobiwan.org/fundraiser2024/

media contact:   
DP&A, Inc: David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com