Aaron Mrotek hoists his award after being honored at the gala. Contributed photo 
Honorees are recognized for their “exceptional environmental leadership” at the PARA event. Contributed photo 
Anna Darian was introduced as PARA’s new Executive Director. Contributed photo 
Attendees enjoy food, music and fellowship at the “friendraising” event. Contributed photo 
The crowd dances to the music of the Porch Rockers in the courtyard at Patagonia Lumber Company. Contributed photo
On Sunday, Nov. 9, the Patagonia Area Resource Alliance (PARA) hosted “Moonlit Blues and Barbecue Soirée,” its third annual gala, at the Patagonia Lumber Company. It was a joyful night celebrating community, conservation, and good company under the stars.
This year’s event was a true “friend-raiser,” welcoming 150-plus attendees, many new faces, as well as a student group visiting from Whitman College in Washington.
The soulful sounds of Tucson’s Porch Rockers set the tone for the evening as PARA honored longtime leader Carolyn Shafer on her retirement from an active role on the Board and introduced Anna Darian as PARA’s first Executive Director.
Guests celebrated PARA’s 2025 wins and the launch of the Water is Life campaign, which aims to close legal loopholes long exploited by the mining industry in Arizona.
The evening also shone a light on exceptional environmental leadership with the presentation of the annual Golden Ocelot Awards to Aaron Mrotek of The Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Robin Lucky of the Calabasas Alliance, and Louise Misztal of Sky Island Alliance—all recognized for their dedication to protecting the clean air, water, and wildlife that make this region so special.