Event Co-chairs Setenay Osman, Nati Smith, and Belle Hahn (Trustee) at Lotusland's Memoirs of a Garden | Credit: Gail Arnold
In 2019, Society Matters covered 73 events, mostly nonprofit fundraisers. The column sought to capture the spirit and content of the events in words and pics, while also providing in depth information about the valuable work these nonprofits do in our community. These fundraisers raise crucial funds and are also some of the best parties in town. One event is featured in print each week. All stories appear on the website. independent.com/society.
Photo: Gail ArnoldEvent Committee Co-chairs Kristen Klingbeil-Weis, Wendy Wheeler Smith, and Cynthia Abulafia at Planned Parenthood’s Birds and Bees BashPhoto: Gail ArnoldLongoria Wines co-owner and Winemaker Rick Longoria, People Helping People CEO Dean Palius, and Longoria Wines co-owner Diana Longoria at People Helping People’s Vino de SueosPhoto: Gail ArnoldExecutive Director Steven Sharpe, Founder Evelyn Jacob, and Board President Kelly Onnen at Food From The Heart’s 25th Anniversary CelebrationPhoto: Gail ArnoldVolunteer of the Year Sheriff Lieutenant Ugo “Butch” Arnoldi, Development Director Santa Barbara/Ventura Region Gina Carbajal, and Athlete of the Year Samuel Jauregui at Special Olympics’ Fired Up DinnerPhoto: Gail ArnoldCaruso CEO Rick Caruso and Rosewood Miramar Beach Managing Director Sen Carney at Rosewood Miramar Beach Grand OpeningPhoto: Gail ArnoldCEO Erik Talkin (center) with SBCC students and event speakers Jazz Hill (L) and Ian Anzlowar (R) at the Foodbank’s Table of Life GalaPhoto: Gail ArnoldEvent Co-chairs Maria and Monte Wilson at United Boys & Girls Clubs’ Rally 4 KidsPhoto: Gail ArnoldEmcee and auctioneer Andrew Firestone with Executive Director Laurie Leis at Boys & Girls Club’s Shanghai Nights GalaPhoto: Gail ArnoldDaniel Avalos and Tom Rollerson at Pacific Pride Foundation’s Royal BallPhoto: Gail ArnoldWomen’s Auxiliary members Kim Schuck (President), Judy Sturgeon, and Joy Van Wickle at S.B. Rescue Mission’s 4th of July Barbecue Dinner
Photo: Gail ArnoldRegional Director Tessa Madden Storms and Associate Director, Development & Volunteer Programs John “JB” Bowlin at PATH Santa Barbara’s Making It Home TourPhoto: Gail ArnoldEvent Co-chairs Setenay Osman, Nati Smith, and Belle Hahn (Trustee) at Lotusland’s Memoirs of a Garden
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