Conejo Valley Historical Society presented the forty-seventh (47th) Annual La Fiesta del Triunfo held at the Stagecoach Inn Museum on Saturday, July 21, 2012. This year’s theme was “Hollywood on the Conejo.” The highlight of the evening was the arrival and introduction of 2012 Doña Triunfo Ricki Mikkelsen and Don Triunfo Mike Mathews who were honored for their years of volunteer service to the community.
The evening began with a social hour which included appetizers & cocktails from the Fargo Bar, staffed by Soroptimist International of the Conejo. Tours of the museum were offered to guests followed by a delicious western-style barbecue dinner prepared by the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks. Proceeds from the live and silent auctions and the event will benefit the Stagecoach Inn Museum.
Ricki Mikkelsen (Community Conscience President)
Doña Triunfo Ricki Mikkelsen and her husband Don have lived in the Conejo Valley for forty-six years. Ricki taught for many years in local elementary schools giving her a solid connection to the local community. She has been a tireless leader in many important organizations in the Conejo Valley—Community Conscience (current President and three-time Mardi Gras Ball Chair), Regional Art Museum Task Force, Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, Community Leaders Association of CLU, American Association of University Women (Past President), Conejo Valley Historical Society (Past President) and seven-time La Fiesta del Triunfo Chair. Ricki’s willingness to pitch in and to lead the way with good humor and perseverance has made her a favorite co-worker in many endeavors and perfect selection for Doña Triunfo.
Mike Mathews
Don Triunfo Mike Mathews is a longtime Conejo Valley resident, having moved here with his parents at age 8. Mike has volunteered for the American Heart Association, The Conejo Future Foundation, and Hospice of the Conejo. Mike is a member of the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club and has been awarded the Kiwanis Dunlap medal three times for outstanding service to the club. He is a regular volunteer at the annual Conejo Valley Days where he chaired three successful Grand Marshall races and the Whiskeroo competition. In addition, he helped for several years with lighting the grounds for La Fiesta del Triunfo. Mike also volunteers to assist his wife, Jean Duffy, with her projects and events for Soroptimist International of the Conejo. Caring, conscientious, and a good friend to the community, Mike is a natural for this recognition.
Following the dinner there were many wonderful tributes to acknowledge the Doña Ricki and Don Mike for their community involvement. The Starlighters performed as the guests enjoyed dancing under the stars.
Congratulations to Ricki and Mike! We thank them for their support of Community Conscience “Under One Roof”!