Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Exceeds Fundraising Goal

Justin Fox, lead singer of Dishwalla, performs a song with TBCF children, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

Justin Fox, lead singer of Dishwalla, performs a song with TBCF children, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s (TBCF) annual Gold Ribbon Campaign and Luncheon was a deservedly huge success. The September fundraising campaign and October 4 benefit yielded $494,000 to benefit TBCF’s education advocacy, emotional support and financial stability programs.

The gathering at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara was a lovely al fresco luncheon and incredibly heartwarming program to celebrate and support the work of TBCF, the only nonprofit organization that provides financial, emotional and educational assistance to families who have a child with cancer in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. Guests had the opportunity to bid on a unique range of items in a silent auction, including beautiful pieces from Carol Burnett’s cherished silver collection.

TBCF Executive Director Lindsey Leonard spoke about many of the young recipients she had met throughout the year, some who went on to beat their struggle with cancer, others who tragically did not beat the disease. “One thing that everyone here today has in common is the desire to help others,” said Leonard. “Everyone has chosen to give of their time and resources because you know our sick children need you because they are literally fighting for their lives.”

TBCF Encouraging Youth Philanthropy program participants were introduced by the Luncheon’s Premier Sponsor, Earl Minnis. Courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

TBCF Encouraging Youth Philanthropy program participants were introduced by the Luncheon’s Premier Sponsor, Earl Minnis. Courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

An inspiring group of young philanthropists who participated in TBCF’s Encouraging Youth Philanthropy program—which guides youth from elementary school through college ages through facilitated fundraisers of their choice, from concept to implementation to delivering the oversized check—were introduced by Premier Sponsor Earl Minnis. Some of the youth included: Dayne Carlson, who hosted bake sales, collected recyclables and raised funds through a percentage of his mother’s business income; Lily Groves, the youngest participant at age 8, who hosted a series of lemonade stands in her neighborhood; Isa Mireles & Talia Gerstenfeld, who produced a musical showcase featuring some of the best youth talents in Santa Barbara; Chloe & Griffin Kossen, who hosted a kick-a-thon event at their Hapkido studio; Alisha Mergaliyeva, who sold handmade art on Etsy; Reese Termond, who is organizing a dance showcase at her ballet studio; Ava Schuette, who donated her babysitting money to TBCF; Mia Young & Sarah Thielst, who started the Teddy Bear Club at San Marcos High School and hosted a series of bake sales at football games; Bella, Savannah & Paloma Valenzuela, who hosted a series of bake sales at Vons and at Isa & Talia’s Musical Showcase; and Sylvia Gilbar, Kian & Nica Greene and Sofia Tasca, who all raised funds online using Facebook and Mobile Cause. Together through their heroic efforts, these big-hearted young members of our community raised $18,000.

Attendees also learned about TBCF’s work from a mother, Nicci Carter, whose family was a recipient. She shared a moving account of her experience, which began when her toddler Garhett was diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma and began treatments at Cottage Children’s Medical Center—ultimately losing his courageous battle at the age of 3. “After our son died,” Carter tearfully recalled, “my husband and I showed up at the funeral home to make arrangements and were told that TBCF would be covering the cost. The organization also provided Christmas that year for our children who had just lost their brother. It came complete with the tree and gifts picked out specifically for each child. TBCF does everything they can to offer support not just for the child battling cancer, but for the siblings and parents too.”

Nicci Carter, TBCF mother from Santa Maria, shares a moving account of her experience with TBCF. Courtesy photo.

Nicci Carter, TBCF mother from Santa Maria, shares a moving account of her experience with TBCF. Courtesy photo.

With TBCF’s mission so vividly exemplified by the Carter family’s experience, the event emcee, Andrew Firestone, presented the opportunity for attendees to Fund A Family through items of descending value, such as a hotel room for a parent to stay near the hospital if they live far away.

The Rudolf Schulte Family Foundation was presented with the Heart of Gold Award, highlighting the Schulte family’s enduring support for TBCF kids and families.

The Rudolf Schulte Family Foundation from Santa Barbara was presented with the Heart of Gold Award, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

The Rudolf Schulte Family Foundation from Santa Barbara was presented with the Heart of Gold Award, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

The Trejos family, who received support from TBCF when Madix Trejos was diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma at age 5, was presented the Pay It Forward Award for their ongoing work to raise funds and awareness for local families who have a child battling cancer. Madix is 13-years-old now and doing great!

The Trejos family from Moorpark was presented with the Pay It Forward Award, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

The Trejos family from Moorpark was presented with the Pay It Forward Award, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

Robyn Howard-Anderson was presented with the Humanitarian Award for working in close conjunction with TBCF for more than a decade as the pediatric oncology social worker at Cottage Hospital, and later as the pediatric oncology social worker at Ventura County Medical Center.

Robyn Howard-Anderson (center left) from Ventura was presented with the Humanitarian Award, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

Robyn Howard-Anderson (center left) from Ventura was presented with the Humanitarian Award, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

The Helping Hands Award was presented to longtime friends Tracy Angel and Shannyn Tupper. In addition to serving on committees and coordinating events for TBCF, they started, and have continued to run, a Santa Barbara-North County beneficiary event, Sangria Soiree.

The Helping Hands Award was presented to Tracy Angel (left) and Shannyn Tupper from Santa Ynez, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

The Helping Hands Award was presented to Tracy Angel (left) and Shannyn Tupper from Santa Ynez, courtesy Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

It would have been difficult to match the feeling of warmth and spirit of giving, were it not for TBCF children coming together to end the program with a joyful song led by Grammy Award-winning musician Justin Fox, lead singer of Dishwalla. Fox had graciously been practicing with the kids, spending time with them in his studio to record the track.

Since its founding in 2002, TBCF has awarded more than $2 million in financial assistance to 2,142 individuals living in the Tri-County Region. For more information or to make a donation, call 805/962-7466 or visit teddybearcancerfoundation.org.

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 30, 2018.

Dream Foundation’s 7th Annual Flower Empower Luncheon

Guests at Dream Foundation's Flower Empower Luncheon, photo by Kiel Rucker Photography.

Guests at Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower Luncheon, photo by Kiel Rucker Photography.

Dream Foundation‘s Annual Flower Empower Luncheon is always a beautiful and heartwarming affair, and this year’s 7th annual event, held at the gorgeous Klentner Ranch near the polo fields in Carpinteria, was a particularly lovely gathering.

More than 200 local community members came together for this annual event, which not only raises funds but also acknowledges the volunteers, sponsors, and growers who make Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program a success.

The heart of the program is a simple but meaningful gesture, the gift of flowers to brighten the day of those that are in need.

Valerie Banks (Flower Empower Coordinator) and Sheri Parker (Volunteer of the Year), photo by Kiel Rucker Photography.

Valerie Banks (Flower Empower Coordinator) and Sheri Parker (Volunteer of the Year), photo by Kiel Rucker Photography.

Flower Empower is a completely volunteer-driven program that delivers hope and compassion—in the form of beautiful bouquets—to anyone who needs them. Several days each week, groups of volunteers prepare dozens of arrangements using donated flowers and make deliveries to hospitals, hospices, cancer centers and personal residences. In addition to abundant bouquets, flower recipients enjoy fresh-baked cookies (we even got samples made by volunteer Robin Himovitz, “the cookie lady”), fine chocolates from Chocolats du CaliBressan (whose lovely owner was at our table) and handmade cards from school-age artists.

“Flower Empower is an invaluable program to our community,” says Dream Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Kisa Heyer. “It reminds us that even the smallest gestures can make a lasting impression. We would love to see the program grow beyond Santa Barbara and bring happiness to others.”

Amanda & Justin Klentner (Klentner Ranch), Lynette Hall (Flower Empower Committee), Kisa Heyer (Dream Foundation CEO), photo by Kelly Sweda Photography.

Amanda & Justin Klentner (Klentner Ranch), Lynette Hall (Flower Empower Committee), Kisa Heyer (Dream Foundation CEO), photo by Kelly Sweda Photography.

Flower Empower receives no federal or state funding and relies solely on corporate and individual contributions and grants, so this luncheon was an important contributor to the cause.

KEYT Channel 3’s Alan Rose—a longtime Flower Empower program supporter and volunteer—served as MC, alongside his KEYT colleague and fellow Flower Empower volunteer Alys Martinez. Andrew Firestone led a short but entertaining and profitable live auction that included a private wine experience at Jaffurs Wine Cellars as well as a tropical getaway at the Sheraton Waikiki Resort and a visit to the set of CBS’ TV show, Hawaii Five-0.

Dream Foundation’s CEO Kisa Heyer and Flower Empower program coordinator, Valerie Banks honored and awarded the 2017 Flower Empower program sponsors: Laurel Barrack, Diane & Tim Brown, Kate & Arthur Coppola, Hollye & Jeff Jacobs, Nissrin Mahmoud & Bob Fuladi and Shelley & Paul Schulte, whose donations will help fund the program this year. Also acknowledged were Ed Van Wingerden, Grower of the Year and Steven Shulem and Sheri Parker, Volunteers of the Year. Honored in memoriam were William Pattis, Angie Redding and Michael Towbes who were staunch supporters of the Flower Empower program.

Dream Foundation volunteers lead the 50 Yard fundraising dash, photo by Kelly Sweda Photography.

Dream Foundation volunteers lead the 50 Yard fundraising dash, photo by Kelly Sweda Photography.

Dream Foundation is the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults.  With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to more than 27,000 final Dreams over the past two decades and has never turned down a qualified applicant. For more information, visit www.dreamfoundation.org.

To volunteer for the Flower Empower Program or to refer a flower recipient, contact flowerempower@dreamfoundation.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on May 24, 2017.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Gold Ribbon Luncheon

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Honorees Shaun and Carla Tomson, courtesy photo.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Honorees Shaun and Carla Tomson, courtesy photo.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) celebrates its Gold Ribbon Luncheon on October 5 at the Coral Casino at Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore in Santa Barbara. The Annual Gold Ribbon Campaign, held in recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, culminate at this luncheon where community members and supporters gather in support of an imperative cause—supporting children with cancer. The event also honors this year’s Gold Ribbon Luncheon Award recipients.

Andrew Firestone serves as host and honorees include  Shaun and Carla Tomson. The 2016 Santa Barbara Teen Star USA, Jackson Gillies, will perform and there will be entertainment by other youth talent.

“The heartbreak that a family that has a child diagnosed with cancer faces is unimaginable,” says Andrew Firestone. “As a father, I want to help alleviate the financial and emotional challenges that families endure. Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is one of the most critical organizations in town. Let’s bring together our generous community and raise money to help these brave families and kids.”

This year’s Heart of Gold Award recognizes a couple that has gone above and beyond in giving of their time and talent for the benefit of TBCF and the families served. Carla and Shaun Tomson’s interaction with the families, volunteers, and staff has been genuine and compassionate, demonstrating a huge heart for the cause, say TBCF representatives.

This year’s Humanitarian Award recognizes Cottage Children’s Medical Center, a group that has been dedicated to improving the human condition of TBCF families. Day in and day out, they work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of children who are battling cancer—supporting and contributing to the welfare and well-being of not only the child going through treatment, but their whole family too. The staff members of Cottage Children’s Medical Center are true advocates for youth with cancer and their families and go the extra mile in providing comfort, care, and the resources they need.

This year’s Pay-It-Forward Award recognizes the Krasnoff Family, a TBCF family who has given back to the organization by paying-it-forward. This family, despite the hardships they faced with the loss of their daughter Lexi to cancer when she was just two, have chosen to give back to TBCF by providing support to other families, sharing their personal story at events, and being advocates of the cause.

This year’s Helping Hands Award recognizes Pati Kern, an individual who has fully immersed herself in the cause for more than a decade. Kern has shown outstanding volunteerism and has participated in the inner workings of TBCF by coordinating major fundraising events and creating unique opportunities for our kids within the Moments in Time program. She has shown great support to both the staff and the families and has been a tremendous supporter of the organization ever since the day they were first introduced to her kind heart.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s September Gold Ribbon Campaign seeks to generate awareness about pediatric cancer and how it affects families; bring attention to the critical role TBCF plays in supporting Tri-County families that have a child who is battling cancer; raise funds to support TBCF’s financial, educational, and emotional support programs; and provide networks for youth with cancer and their families. The gold ribbon is the universal symbol to raise awareness about pediatric cancer. Gold represents a precious metal and the children battling cancer are precious.

The Gold Ribbon Luncheon Event Committee includes Connie Gillies, Erin Griffin, Pamela Gruen, Jamie Hansen, Kathy Kelley, Stephanie J. Noel Kirlin, Corey Lester, Monique Montgomery, Hal Price, Lacy Taylor, Michael Taylor and John Weninger.

This year, TBCF has raised $123,500 of their $300,000 goal during the Gold Ribbon Campaign. The organization is asking the community to “Go Gold” and help kids fighting cancer by making a contribution towards the Campaign. Admission tickets to the Luncheon are available for $150 and raffle tickets are $20, buy five tickets and receive the sixth ticket free! For more information, to purchase Luncheon or raffle ticket(s), or to make a donation, please visit teddybearcancerfoundation.org or call 805/962-7466 today.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 28, 2016.

CALM Celebrates 30 Years of Celebrity Authors and Unforgettable Stories

Frances Schultz will be interviewed at CALM's annual Celebrity Author's Luncheon, photo by Tiffany Evitts.

Frances Schultz will be interviewed at CALM’s annual Celebrity Author’s Luncheon, photo by Tiffany Evitts.

Always one of our favorite literary and philanthropic events, the CALM Auxiliary‘s  30th Annual Celebrity Authors Luncheon on April 2 is a benefit for CALM’s (Child Abuse Listening Mediation) vital programs across the county that help prevent child abuse and treat children and families who have suffered from violence and abuse.

This year’s event features interviews and book signings by a variety of critically acclaimed writers, including Meg Waite Clayton, Gregg Hurwitz, and Frances Schultz (featured on the cover of Santa Barbara Seasonscurrent spring 2016 issue).

The event, which starts with book sales and signings at 10 a.m. at The Fess Parker – A Doubletree by Hilton Resort (633 E. Cabrillo Blvd.), also includes a lunch (11:45 a.m.) and author interviews (12:45 p.m.) with Clayton, Hurwitz and Schultz.

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Meg Waite Clayton is the author of five novels, including The Race for Paris and The Wednesday Sisters, one of Entertainment Weekly‘s 25 Essential Best Friend Novels of all time. Her first novel, The Language of Light, was a finalist for the Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction (now the PEN/Bellwether). She’s written for the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Runner’s World and public radio, often on the subject of the particular challenges women face. Clayton’s new novel was 15 years in the making and inspired by real women journalists who defied military regulations and gender barriers to report on WWII.

Meg Waite Clayton will be interviewed at CALM's annual Celebrity Author's Luncheon, courtesy photo.

Meg Waite Clayton will be interviewed at CALM’s annual Celebrity Author’s Luncheon, courtesy photo.

Gregg Hurwitz is the New York Times bestselling author of 15 thrillers, most recently, Orphan X. His novels have been shortlisted for numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and been translated into 26 languages. He is also a New York Times bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks.

Frances Schultz, journalist, tastemaker, world traveler, hostess, Southerner, Sunday painter, and outdoors lover, is an enthusiast on decoration and design, food and entertaining, travel and style. She is author and co-author of several books, including The Bee Cottage Story—How I Made a Muddle of Things and Decorated My Way Back to Happiness. A contributing editor to House Beautiful magazine and former editor-at-large for Veranda, she has also written for The Wall Street Journal, Town & Country, Indagare and The New York Social Diary. She was the on-air host for six years of the award-winning cable television show Southern Living Presents and has appeared on The Today Show, The Nate Berkus Show, CNN’s Open House and many others. With husband Tom Dittmer, dog Stella, assorted horses and critters, she lives in the Santa Ynez Valley with visits to Manhattan and summers at Bee Cottage in East Hampton.

Andrew Firestone is serving once again as Master of Ceremonies. Hank Phillippi Ryan, an interviewed author at last year’s luncheon, returns to the stage this year alongside Tom Weitzel, to interview the 2016 celebrity authors.

Greg Hurwitz will be interviewed at CALM's annual Celebrity Author's Luncheon, courtesy photo.

Greg Hurwitz will be interviewed at CALM’s annual Celebrity Author’s Luncheon, courtesy photo.

In addition to the interviewed authors, these authors will also attend the event and be available for book signing:

Melissa Broughton, Cowboy Dad: Love, Alcoholism, and a Dying Way of Life

Jane Coleman, Life Is All About Range

Lydia Edwards, Odyssey of Innocents

Margarita Fairbanks, Valentino, The Love Bunny

Jeff Farrell, My Olympic Story, Rome 1960

Lisa Guadagno, The Lucky Ones

Dana Kent, Brussels to Beirut to Bali: The 1958 World Travels of Four Girls in a Second-Hand Chevy

Peggy O’Toole, Then I Won’t Seem So Far Away

Chris Messner, Cuba Open From the Inside, Travels in the Forbidden Land

Tracy Shawn, The Grace of Crows

M.L. VanBlaricum, Reflections in a Boomer’s Eye

Ernie WithamWhere Are Pat and Ernie Now? A Santa Barbara Couple’s Humorous Travel Adventures

“The CALM Auxiliary is very proud to have hosted such a wonderful community event for 30 years. We have been so lucky to have had some of the greatest authors donate their time and talent, all the while supporting CALM’s important cause. The entire Auxiliary has been behind this project from the start and we couldn’t do our job without every one of them. We feel fortunate to be involved and are proud to help CALM in its mission to protect children and families from abuse,” say event co-chairs Becky Cohn and Carolyn Gillio.

For tickets and event information, please call 805/969-5590 or click here.  All ticket proceeds and a percentage of book sales will benefit CALM, the only nonprofit in Santa Barbara County focused solely on preventing and treating child abuse. CALM was founded in 1970 to reach stressed parents before they hurt their children.  CALM continues to be the only nonprofit agency in Santa Barbara County focusing solely on preventing, assessing, and treating child abuse and family violence through comprehensive, cutting-edge programs.  CALM offers children, families, and adults a safe, non-judgmental, caring, and strength-based environment to heal and increase family well-being.  For more information about all of CALM’s services, please call 805/965-2376 or visit www.calm4kids.org.

Leslie Dinaberg

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on March 22, 2016.

Honoring Moms at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care’s Mother’s Day Luncheon

Thomas Rollerson, courtesy VNHC

Thomas Rollerson, courtesy VNHC

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) hosted its 13th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon last week at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Each year the nonprofit organization honors two mothers—one living and one in memory—and celebrates their lives and acknowledges their contributions to the community.

This year’s luncheon raised a record sum—nearly $350,000—which will directly benefit VNHC’s mission to provide high quality, comprehensive home health, hospice, and related services necessary to promote the health and well being of all community residents, including those unable to pay.

The event honored mother and local philanthropist Jill Levinson. Guests enjoyed several tributes from her husband, VNHC Board Member Neil Levinson, as well as from their children. Jill has devoted herself to many  local organizations and causes, including the Santa Barbara Children’s Museum, Crane Country Day School  and Lotusland, among many others.

Shirin Rajaee and Andrew Firestone, courtesy, VNHC

Shirin Rajaee and Andrew Firestone, courtesy, VNHC

Also honored in memory was Barbara Ward Rollerson, who passed away in 1977. Barbara is the mother of Thomas Rollerson, founder & recently-retired president of Dream Foundation. Thomas shared a video and loving reflections about his mother, who passed away at age 44, and will always be remembered for her unconditional love she had for her five children.  As a longtime supporter of VNHC, Rollerson says that the Mother’s Day Luncheon has always been his favorite event because he didn’t have a place to go on Mother’s Day.  “Being in a room with amazing mothers, staff and board members, I’ve always left here feeling like I had spent the day with my mother.”

VHNC Fashion Show, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

VHNC Fashion Show, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Co-Chairs Jodi Fishman-Osti and Pamela Dillman Haskell welcomed almost 400 guests to the event, which also included the first-ever fashion show. Shirin Rajaee, Fashion Show Mistress of Ceremonies welcomed guests and showcased the latest spring trends from local boutiques, which included styles from Allora by Laura, Bonita, Giuliana Haute Couture, Indian Summers, Lana Marmé, Lola Boutique and Lolë.

Master of Ceremonies Andrew Firestone opened the luncheon program with a warm welcome and introduced Lynda Tanner, President & CEO of VNHC, who then recognized the many supporters and sponsors of the event, including Premier Rose Sponsors Irma and Morrie Jurkowitz and Union Bank.

Established in 1908, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is one of Santa Barbara’s oldest nonprofit organizations. For more information on Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, click here or call 805/965-5555.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on May 17, 2014.