Nick and Karen Guriel own and operate Coles Cattle Company in San Luis Obispo and have been loyal donors to California Rangeland Trust for nearly twenty years.
“We’ve personally seen and felt the loss of grazing land in California,” says Karen. Thirty years ago, the couple lived in Ventura County and ran a couple hundred head of commercial cattle on thousands of acres of leased land. Twice, the land they were leasing was sold to developers, and they were forced to move their herd. Frustrated by the situation, they moved to San Luis Obispo, downsized their herd, and today have a small operation producing composite steers for kids competing at County Fairs. “It was so sad to watch beautiful properties that were great grazing lands get turned into housing tracts,” continues Karen.
Nick was raised on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania and later served in the US Marine Corps. Following his service, he attended Cal Poly, Pomona where he met Karen, a native of Malibu, at a horse show. Early in their relationship, Nick joined Los Caballeros and Karen joined Las Caballeras. They’ve both been members for nearly thirty years. It was on their annual ride around
2004 that Karen met Nita Vail, who was then CEO of the Rangeland Trust. Having personally been affected by the loss of grazing land, Karen explains, “Rangeland Trust appealed to us as a great way to help save these lands from extinction.”
As they learned more about the organization, they wanted to get more involved. The Guriels have family involved in fundraising, so they understand the importance and impact of philanthropy. Karen goes on, “We began donating to the Rangeland Trust because they offered a great tool for families that are trying to hang on to these ranches and not have to sell due to tax reasons or family issues.”
Today Coles Cattle Company is a family affair. “I’m a fifth generation Californian, my daughter is sixth generation, and our granddaughters are seventh gen,” says Karen. “They live and work on the ranch with us. They are the reason we support California Rangeland Trust – their future and that of future generations.”
California Rangeland Trust is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 31-1631453) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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