Category Archives: Rancho Obi-Wan

Rancho Obi-Wan T-Shirt Fundraiser Ends 11/28

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Support Rancho Obi-Wan with this very limited, one-time only, exclusive, quality T-shirt for only $20.

With Lucasfilm’s approval, the combined forces of the largest Star Wars fan groups—the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, Mandalorian Mercs and the R2-D2 Builders—are raising money for Rancho through this one-time sale of a T-shirt with an exclusive vintage action figure design.

Act quickly! The shirts are being offered only through Nov. 28 so they can be printed and sent out in plenty of time for holiday gift giving. They are available in five different colors, in men’s’ and ladies’ styles, plus hoodies.

Rancho Obi-Wan serves to inspire through the preservation and cultivation of the Star Wars legacy. Our goal is to create an all-encompassing Star Wars cultural center where you can experience every aspect of this four-decade-old phenomenon through the most comprehensive repository of Star Wars memorabilia on the planet.

Funds raised from the sales of this special edition shirt will be used by Rancho Obi-Wan to begin the creation of an online gallery, repository, and museum for Star Wars collectible fans all over the world. Your participation will help ensure that the legacy of promoting an interest in Star Wars memorabilia, with which Rancho Obi-Wan has become synonymous, continues for future generations to enjoy. Star Wars will live forever for the fan community through Rancho Obi-Wan. 

Click below to get your shirt!

Rancho Obi-Wan Gala 2017 Sponsored by Hallmark!

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40 Years of Collecting Sponsored by Hallmark!

Plans are being finalized for our annual Gala on Saturday, November 4th, 2017 at Rancho Obi-Wan in Petaluma, California! Our friends at Hallmark will be sponsoring the event again this year and they are offering a special Force Friday buying opportunity to supporting Members of Rancho Obi-Wan.

Purchase your Gala ticket now!
Both attendee and absentee options available
Gala 2017 Ticket Info

 

Difficult News from Steve Sansweet

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Dear fellow Star Wars fans and collectors,

I need to share some distressing news with you because I need your help.

In February we at Rancho Obi-Wan found out that we had been the victim of a major theft that surreptitiously took place over many months in late 2015 through 2016.

There were more than 100 valuable items stolen, the majority of them vintage U.S. and foreign carded action figures, many of them rare and important pieces. Most have either been resold or professionally appraised for a total of more than $200,000.

The theft came to light after Philip Wise, a good friend, major collector and owner of several Star Wars websites, posted news of the theft of his rare prototype rocket-firing Boba Fett action figure from his Texas warehouse. Zach Tann, a respected toy dealer and collector in Southern California, immediately notified Philip that he had purchased that figure from Carl Edward Cunningham, 45, a well-known Star Wars collector and R2-D2 builder from Marietta, Georgia.

Tann further told Philip that he previously had bought many other rare Star Wars collectibles from Carl and sent a detailed list. Philip said that he quickly concluded by the quantity and quality of items that they had likely been stolen from my collection here in Petaluma, California.

Tann is working closely with us and authorities to help recover and return as many of the stolen collectibles as possible. Without Zach Tann’s call to Philip, which came despite great potential personal financial exposure to himself, we might still not know of the theft or its extent.

Carl surrendered on an arrest warrant from the Sonoma County, California Sheriff’s Department at the end of March and was charged with felony grand theft. He is currently free on bail with additional hearings in the case scheduled.

I have known Carl for many years, considered him a good and trusted friend, and played host to him at my home numerous times. I, and the staff at Rancho Obi-Wan, are devastated that he is the alleged perpetrator of the thefts. Not only have important items been stolen from the collection, but also our time, energy and ability to trust unconditionally have taken a blow.

If you have any information about Carl Cunningham’s activities or items that he has sold please write to tips@ranchoobiwan.org. If you think you may have purchased a stolen item, please be patient while we work through this process. It is our goal to resolve this situation as quickly as possible and to continue to use the collection at Rancho Obi-Wan to “Inspire through the Force” despite the destruction caused by one person.

Thank you for your help,
Steve Sansweet
Rancho Obi-Wan

Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017: Consolidated News Summary

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We still have more images and videos to upload, but we wanted to consolidate all the news from Orlando in one neat post, we will add to this post as we finish out our final reports.  Big thanks to Brandon, Chris and Matt who covered the event for us! 

Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017: Rancho Obi-Wan Fantasy Room

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This display was amazing, so much to see and some many small details! Well done Steve and crew! 

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Rancho Obi-Wan At Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017

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Via Ranchoobiwan.org:

Rancho Obi-Wan will be exhibiting at Star Wars Celebration Orlando, April 13-16, 2017, booth 2701 near the main entrance to Exhibit Hall B.

To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars, the Rancho exhibit will create a Star Wars bedroom and play area of the era that kids and fans could only dream about. It will be filled with vintage Star Wars memorabilia from all over the world. Come meet owner Steve Sansweet and get his autograph (always free!)

Supporting Members of Rancho Obi-Wan get a line pass–the ability to enter the booth through the Member-only line. If you are already a Member look for the pass in your email by April 5th. Or become a Member before April 5th and a pass will be emailed to you.

Our goal this convention is to raise $60,000 which will enable ROW to operate through the summer. Rancho Obi-Wan exists on a shoestring budget most of which is spent on insurance, utilities, taxes and fees, protection of the collection and funds to fulfill our own charitable goals.

Note to Members who are not attending Celebration: both Celebration patches and the pre-order will be available to you through our online store after we return from Orlando.

Reminder – Year 13 Giveaway #7 : 2017 Membership Kit to Rancho Obi-Wan

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Want to win a 2017 Membership Kit to Rancho Obi-Wan which includes a T-Shirt?

Just send us an e-mail to YodasnewsAnniversary@gmail.com with the subject “Rancho Obi-Wan 2017” and one lucky person will win a 2017 Membership Kit to Rancho Obi-Wan, located in Petaluma, CA, about an hour north of San Francisco! Giveaway starts now and ends on 2/22/17 at 11:59 EST.  One Entry per person. 

For more information, got to www.ranchobiwan.org, http://www.facebook.com/RanchoObiWan, or follow them on twitter at @RanchoObiWan

Year 13 Giveaway #7 : 2017 Membership Kit to Rancho Obi-Wan

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Want to win a 2017 Membership Kit to Rancho Obi-Wan which includes a T-Shirt?

Just send us an e-mail to YodasnewsAnniversary@gmail.com with the subject “Rancho Obi-Wan 2017” and one lucky person will win a 2017 Membership Kit to Rancho Obi-Wan, located in Petaluma, CA, about an hour north of San Francisco! Giveaway starts now and ends on 2/22/17 at 11:59 EST.  One Entry per person. 

For more information, got to www.ranchobiwan.org, http://www.facebook.com/RanchoObiWan, or follow them on twitter at @RanchoObiWan

Celebrating Our 13 Year Anniversary! Prizes All Month Long!

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For the past 13 years, we have had the honor of bringing you daily news, product reviews and coverage of many conventions.   We have enjoyed sharing our love of Star Wars with you.  As our 13 year anniversary is upon us, we would like to thank both our staff and our readers.  To our staff, we are grateful for the commitment, drive, and energy that you to bring to Yodasnews. Without your tireless dedication, none of this would be possible.  To our readers, it is your dedication and loyalty that keeps alive this great franchise; it is a pleasure and an honor to share it with you.

During the month of February, we have amazing giveaways planned to thank you, our readers, for all your support over the last 13 years! 

Also, as with previous anniversaries, we are giving away prizes for both our casual readers and those who follow us on social media. Keep your eye out for special events to test your creativity, fun and competitive trivia nights, and much more. Some of the items up for grabs include Gift Cards to your favorite online stores, statues, mini busts, action figures,  and more! Over 250 prizes worth over $4,000! 

It all starts today, stay tuned for how to enter the first giveaway around 8pm EST today! If you don’t follow us on Social Media, now is the best time to do it as we will do random giveaways not posted here on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Links at the top right of the website, and on this page!

Some of the items up for grabs include:

  • Five $40 Gift Certificates to BBTS
  • BOBA FETT 1/6 SCALE FIGURE (EXCLUSIVE) ESB SCUM & VILLANY 
  • Limited Edition Art Prints from Joe Corroney
  • Star Wars ‘A New Hope’ Action Figure Display Diorama
  • Darth Maul: Duel on Naboo Sixth Scale Figure
  • Kotobukiya Dagobah Yoda & R2-D2 Statue ARTFX
  • Star Wars The Force Awakens Galaxy Premiere Ticket
  • 2017 Membership Kit to Rancho Obi-Wan which includes a T-Shirt
  • Gentle Giant First Order Stormtrooper Mini Bust
  • Gentle Giant AT-AT Bookends
  • Gentle Giant Mandalorian Bookends
  • Gentle Giant Kylo Ren Mini Bust
  • Gentle Giant Leia (Hoth Outfit) Kenner Jumbo Figure
  • Gentle Giant Darth Vader Collectors Gallery Statue
  • Sideshow Collectibles Tusken Raider Sixth Scale Figure
  • Sideshow Collectibles Darth Maul: Duel on Naboo Sixth Scale Figure
  • Over 75 Action Figures From various Lines Over The Last Five Years (The Force Awakens, Black Series, Clone Wars, etc.)
  • Over 100 Topps Galactic Connexions HallMark Exclusive Trading Discs
  • Star Wars Science Items from Uncle Milton
  • And more…

You can see these, as well as, other prizes right here. Of course, none of this could be possible without the generosity and support of our Anniversary Sponsors, so be sure to check them out on our prize page and support them.

 

The Gala Strikes Back!

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The Gala Strikes Back!

It’s been five years since Rancho Obi-Wan opened its doors to share the world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection with fellow fans. Our big fifth anniversary fundraiser, “The Gala Strikes Back,” will take place on Saturday, November 5th, 2016 at Rancho Obi-Wan in Petaluma, California. You won’t want to miss it!

Explore all the shelves at Rancho at your leisure. Friendly volunteers can answer your questions. Dinner, drinks, dessert and a most impressive swag bag are included with each ticket. Opportunities all evening to add to your collection by participating in the live and silent auctions, balloon pop game, raffle and toy store.

Click below for ticket information.

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Rancho Obi-Wan Update – Lagunitas Fundraiser & More!

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Inspiration for Every Generation

Last year’s build-up to The Force Awakens took us many places. We saw lots of old friends and met many new ones. Today we’d like to tell you all about what’s up this year–our fifth anniversary!

Thanks to your contributions and support, at the end of 2015 we added a large off-site working space to the museum. We have hundreds of boxes to open and sort. We will be sharing the treasures we find on social media, in the museum and in future books and exhibits.

We have also welcomed several part-time staff members. Our new head docent, bookkeeper and office assistant are enabling ROW to grow and find additional ways to inspire.

We have two collection installations that you can currently view:

“Eye of the Collector” at The Perot Museum in Dallas can be seen through Labor Day. Enjoy a sampling of the items found here at ROW as well as many other diverse collections like PEZ, Dallas Cowboys and fossils.
Copperfield’s in Petaluma has a small selection of unusual Star Wars books from ROW displayed in one window.

Our free school-tour program has tripled now that we have docents who are expanding our ability to serve the increasing number of young people embracing Star Wars fandom. We have recently inspired groups from local middle and high schools, universities, homeschoolers and continuing education programs.

Already this year, we have donated thousands of dollars in tours to other charities to help them raise money for schools, gardens, libraries, music, community radio, medicine, the homeless and those with disabilities.

INSPIRATION FOR EVERY GENERATION
DONATE NOW AT DONATE.RANCHOOBIWAN.ORG

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You can join with Rancho Obi-Wan to fulfill our mission to inspire creativity for generations to come! Even a small donation helps fund:

the operation of the museum
the protection and documentation of the collection
free educational tours for schools
donated tours to other charities for their fundraisers
traveling exhibits of specially curated objects

Every donation of $45 or more receives a one-year membership to Rancho Obi-Wan and a special thank you gift. This year’s membership patch features art by Daniel Bergren.

Rancho Recruiter continues–refer a friend or Become a Fundraiser with your own official Rancho Obi-Wan fundraiser page and share with your office, Facebook friends, or family.

New matching program! Many corporations will match your contribution to Rancho Obi-Wan since we are an IRS-accepted nonprofit institution. Do you want to challenge others by matching donations yourself? Email Anne for more information.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 6-10PM PT
LIVE PODCAST FUNDRAISER @ WWW.RANCHOOBIWAN.ORG

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Listen to a live podcast fundraiser to benefit Rancho Obi-Wan hosted by Jimmy “Mac” McInerney of Rebel Force Radio and Steve Sansweet. Special guests from the Star Wars world and beyond will be coming to you direct from Rancho Obi-Wan in Petaluma, CA. You won’t want to miss the fun!

Listen Live at www.ranchoobiwan.org and www.rebelforceradio.com
Submit questions for Jimmy Mac, Steve or anyone at ROW by April 27 10pm PT

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 5:30-8:30PM
“STAR WARS DAY: THE PREQUEL”
FUNDRAISER @ LAGUNITAS TAPROOM

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1280 N. McDowell Blvd in Petaluma, CA. See Jabba the Hutt and costumed characters! This family-friendly event includes a raffle, door prizes, kids’ costume contest, and Roy’s Chicago Dogs available for purchase (as well as great Lagunitas refreshments for the adults). Silent auction contributions from Brian’s Comics, Comic Images, Entertainment Earth, Funko, Kotobukiya, artist Michael O’Shields, and Santa Cruz Skateboards.

$20 cover for adults. Purchase tickets online at
donate.ranchoobiwan.org/lagunitas2016
Limited number of tickets available at the door.

Membership benefit!
As a current Rancho Obi-Wan member we invite you to purchase tickets for this event in advance of our general announcement on Friday, April 22.

Kids 12 & under get free admission and walk out with a goodie bag stuffed with contributions from Brian’s Comics, DK Books, and Entertainment Earth! While supplies last, limited quantities available.

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT RANCHO OBI-WAN

Members can purchase 5 Year anniversary shirts & coins on the member store.
Shop smile.amazon.com and choose Rancho Obi-Wan as your charity.
Purchase an item from our eBay store.
Donate a portion of your eBay sales to Rancho Obi-Wan.
Share us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

AS ALWAYS, YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE FOR
YOUR PARTNERSHIP IN INSPIRING THROUGH THE FORCE!