Category Archives: Nonprofits

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Women of Inspiration Luncheon

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Erica Ford, photo by Donna Alberico.

Erica Ford, photo by Donna Alberico.

Erica Ford, CEO and founder of LIFE Camp (Love Ignites Freedom through Education) and Peace is a Lifestyle, is the keynote speaker for Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Women of Inspiration luncheon on Monday, April 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Girls Inc. campus, 5315 Foothill Rd. in Carpinteria.

Ford grew up in the high-crime neighborhood of Jamaica, Queens in the 1980s, where she attended countless funerals for friends. Tragic violence in her community inspired her to create LIFE Camp, which provides at-risk inner-city youth (ages 13-24) the valuable tools they need to stay in school and out of the criminal justice system.

The foundation also spawned Ford’s Peace is a Lifestyle program, featuring holistic guru and acclaimed author Deepak Chopra, who makes monthly visits to LIFE Camp to talk to and meditate with the group participants. In partnership with Chopra and yoga teacher Eddie Stern, Ford created the Urban Yogis program, inspiring at-risk youth to choose alternative pathways toward positivity and peace. Ford and the Urban Yogis lead yoga in the New York City Public School system, in detention centers, and at the Baisley Park housing project in Queens.

“Each year our luncheon celebrates the achievements of women who are inspiring the next generation of girls to have a voice and to dream big,” says Victoria Juarez, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Erica Ford, our honorees, and Girls Inc. member Andrea Saldana (a 17-year-old student at Carpinteria High School), who will share her story at the luncheon, are each role models in their own right for all girls. We’re proud to recognize these courageous women who embody our mission to teach girls they are valuable, powerful and deserving of every opportunity.”

“I admire organizations likes Girls Inc. that nurture the greatness in young women and girls,” says Ford. “I am honored to play a part in helping garnish support for Girls Inc.’s mission and sharing the vision at the annual Women of Inspiration luncheon. Together we can all make Peace a Lifestyle.”

The Women of Inspiration luncheon also recognizes three honorees with deep roots in community involvement and service, who have proven to be outstanding role models for young women: Nini Seaman, a parent volunteer, local artist, and dedicated Girls Inc. supporter and former board member; Asa Olsson, a local actress who spent 17 years building a unique drama program and performance center at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria; and Mericos Foundation, a supporter of Girls Inc.’s Eureka Program.

The fundraiser luncheon is co-chaired by Nancy Koppelman and Amanda Kastelic. All proceeds will support Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Ford will also lead a free-to-the-community/all-ages yoga session with her Urban Yogis Juquille Johnston and Raheem Lewis on Tuesday, April 4 at 4:15 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Sunken Gardens Lawn, 1100 Anacapa St. It features Robbie Nova and DJ Magneto and is open to all ages.

For more information about Women of Inspiration or Yoga on the Lawn, or to purchase tickets to the luncheon, please call 805/684-6364, email vjuarez@girlsinc-carp.org or visit girlsinc-carp.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 30, 2017.

Santa Barbara Choral Society Spring Gala Journeys to Rockwood Abbey

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Coming to tea? SBCS Singers (lL-R) Erica DiBartolomeo, Manu Geiger-Kolbitsch, Ayllin Bilir and Deborah Rosique) ready the Marilyn Horne Main House at Music Academy of the West in preparation to welcome Royal Chef Darren McGrady and special guests to tea. Photo by Priscilla.

Coming to Rockwood Abbey? SBCS Singers (L-R) Erica DiBartolomeo, Manu Geiger-Kolbitsch, Ayllin Bilir and Deborah Rosique) are dressed up to welcome Royal Chef Darren McGrady and special guests. Photo by Priscilla.

Anglophiles and music fans will come together on May 20 for a wonderfully fun evening titled Rockwood Abbey, an homage to the beloved Downtown Abbey television series.

Honorary Chairs “Lord” Brooks and “Lady” Kate Firestone invite guests to be transported to a posh evening reminiscent of days gone by, where white-gloved footmen attended the creme de la creme of English society as they dined and danced.

Period dress is encouraged for this unique fundraising event, which evokes the dawn of the Jazz Age when the formalities of the Victorian era gave way to the frivolities of post war fun. As far as costumes go, you may choose your epoch from Edwardian grandeur to the flappers of the 20s!

Royal Chef Darren McGrady, courtesy photo.

Royal Chef Darren McGrady, courtesy photo.

As you enter the Rockwood Women’s Club, you’ll enjoy cocktails, aperitifs and appetizers on the terrace and browse the silent auction items. When the dinner gong sounds, guests will move inside to reserved seats in the grand ballroom, where they’ll be entertained by the full Santa Barbara Choral Society chorus performing their spring gala concert, conducted by SBCS Artistic Director/Conductor Jo Anne Wasserman. Eclectic musical treats are in store for guests—including the Downton Abbey theme song—as well as fine wine and appetizers.

Then it’s on to an exciting feast on a menu that’s literally fit for Queen. This elegant dinner is designed and supervised by The Royal Chef, Darren McGrady, former chef to her majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to the late Princess Diana and her sons. Chef McGrady will be on hand to regale you with stories of his time in the royal service. We got a taste of his banter at the recent Royal Tea preview for this event, and guests are certainly in for a Royal treat!

Our favorite local Brit about town Richard Mineards will emcee the program and as the evening comes to a close, a celebrity auctioneer will lead an auction featuring exciting vacation stays like a week in a historic villa in Provence, a stroll through the gardens at Highclere Castle (the location where Downton Abbey was filmed), and more.

Tickets for the Santa Barbara Choral Society Spring Concert and Gala Dinner are now available by calling 805/965-6577 or visiting www.sbchoral.org. Don’t miss this unique and festive event taking place from 5-9:30 p.m. on May 20 at Rockwood Women’s Club, 670 Mission Canyon Rd. Seating is limited and RSVPs are requested no later than May 12.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 11, 2017.

Dreaming Big: Congregation B’nai B’rith’s 90 Year Celebration

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Images from Congregation B'nai B'rith Dreamers Ball. Photos by Leslie Dinaberg.

Images from Congregation B’nai B’rith Dreamers Ball. Photos by Leslie Dinaberg.

Honoring yesterday, today and tomorrow, supporters of Congregation B’nai B’rith (CBB) recently gathered at Bacara Resort & Spa in tribute to the founding families who had the vision to create the home for Santa Barbara’s Jewish community in 1927.

This festive, elegant celebration was packed to the gills with 450 guests to mark the 90th anniversary of Congregation B’nai B’rith, Santa Barbara’s largest Jewish synagogue, which now serves as the spiritual home to more than 800 families.

Dubbed the Dreamers Ball, the Marc Chagall-inspired gala was beautifully reflected in decorations and touches throughout the ballroom and live music by We the Folk (whose talented accordion player is David Childs, son of Shari and Cantor Mark Childs).

Also honored at the event was Cantor Childs, who has served the congregation for the past 25 years, touching thousands of lives in the process.

The Dreamers Ball was organized by co-chairwomen Hallie Avolio, board president Judi Koper, Liat Wasserman, Marcy Wimbish, Bethy Fineberg and executive director Elizabeth Gaynes. Ruth Hartzman and Adele Rosen were the honorary co-chairwomen.

An impressive tribute book detailed the congregation’s history and leadership and was filled with glowing personal tributes to Childs and congratulations on the 90th anniversary of Congregation B’nai B’rith. Included in the tribute are excerpts from local historian Erin Graffy’s upcoming book about the history of Jewish Santa Barbara.

“Right now, we are setting the stage for the next 100 years of our CBB communal life,” writes Rabbi Steve Cohen. “We are establishing patterns of congregational life which draw deeply upon the best of Jewish tradition and values, and which are vibrantly alive … full of humor, creativity, moral integrity, intellectual rigor and honesty … and connect us deeply to this place, Santa Barbara, a place of awesome natural beauty and resources, nestled between the ocean and the mountains.”

For more information about Congregation B’nai B’rith, visit http://cbbsb.org/.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on February 16, 2017.

Hold Hope | Obama in Santa Barbara, 2007

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HOLD HOPE: Obama in Santa Barbara, 2007, by Patricia Houghton Clarke.

HOLD HOPE: Obama in Santa Barbara, 2007, by Patricia Houghton Clarke.

International award-winning photographer (and Santa Barbara Seasons contributor) Patricia Houghton Clarke presents never-before seen black and white images from Barack Obama’s campaign stop in Santa Barbara in 2007.

She says, “The photographs embody the President’s abiding power, grace, and most importantly, HOPE.”

There will be an opening reception from 4-7 p.m. on Jan. 28 at PATRICIA CLARKE STUDIO at the Palm Lofts (410 Palm Ave., Space A 18, Carpinteria). A closing reception will also be held in that same location on Feb. 25 from 2-4 p.m.

Barack Obama, 6, 2007, photo by Patricia Houghton Clarke.

Barack Obama, 6, 2007, photo by Patricia Houghton Clarke.

Proceeds from the sales of these images will benefit the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and may also be purchased online through February 25 at: http://patriciahoughtonclarke.com/section/334090_obama_in_santa_barbara_2007.html.

All events are free and open to the public. Studio hours are also available by appointment and groups are welcome. For more information, call 805/381-1758 or email pcphotog@gmail.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Congregation B’Nai B’Rith Celebrates 90 Years

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Cantor Mark Childs to be Honored at Dreamers Ball on Jan. 22 

Congregation B’nai B’rith celebrates its 90th anniversary at a Chagall-inspired Dreamers Ball to be held at the Bacara Resort on January 22.

The dreamers theme—which honors yesterday, today and tomorrow—pays homage to the 14 founding families who had a vision to build a home for the Jews in Santa Barbara in 1927. What started as a dream thrived beyond expectation to the temple of today—a beautiful sanctuary that serves as a spiritual home to more than 800 families.

The Dreamer’s Ball celebrates the rich history of Congregation B’nai B’rith, the vibrant current community, led musically by Cantor Mark Childs,  and the commitment to innovation and strength into the future.

Cantor Mark Childs, photo by Jay Farbman.

Cantor Mark Childs, photo by Jay Farbman.

“This is a moment to pause in a long continuum of time to celebrate our growth, to honor those who kept us going over the decades, to remember those who have passed along the way, to sigh as we recollect the hard times, to laugh as we recall the high moments, to marvel at the vision of those upon whose shoulders we stand, and to embrace each other as we face our road forward,” says Cantor Childs who will be honored at the gala for his 25 years of service at Congregation B’nai B’rith.

“Congregation B’nai B’rith has been, and will always be filled with the spirit of close community and the priority of educating the next moral, ethical and literate Jewish generation,” says Rabbi Stephen Cohen, who has been the synagogue’s spiritual leader since 2014, and works in partnership with Cantor Childs.

“I believe that right now, we are setting the stage for the next 100 years of Congregation B’nai B’rith communal life. We will maintain our deep connections to the Jewish people around the world, and throughout history, but we are also finding our place in Santa Barbara, alongside the Chumash, and the Latinos, the marvelous interfaith community of Muslims, the Catholics, Unitarians, Episcopalians, Evangelicals, Mormons, Hindus and Buddhists. Here in Santa Barbara, we Jews have a role to play. Our congregation should be a light to our entire city, and a model of healthy, feisty, dynamic, reverent, warm and welcoming community,” explains Rabbi Cohen.

Through song, Jewish teaching and humor, Cantor Childs has touched thousands of lives in Santa Barbara since his arrival 25 years ago. From his weekly song sessions with preschoolers at Beit Ha Yeladim, to his work with hundreds of b’nai mitzvot students, to his inspired leadership, interfaith partnerships and connection with seniors and community members throughout Santa Barbara, Cantor Childs has been a role model and an inspiration, marking everyday moments and significant life-cycle milestones with music and prayer. “He is an exceptional human being, a brilliant and humble leader, a supremely reliable teammate and partner, and a gifted singer,” says Rabbi Cohen.

Congregation B’nai B’rith serves as a spiritual sanctuary to its diverse and inclusive community (the temple has over 25% interfaith families), but is also integral to the greater Santa Barbara community, through social action and religious outreach programs and collaborations with the Santa Barbara Interfaith Initiative, Cottage Hospital, assisted living homes, Showers of Blessings, Anti-Defamation League, UCSB Hillel, and many others.  A temple-wide annual Mitzvah Day sends volunteers into the community to benefit dozens of nonprofits. In addition, Congregation B’nai B’rith has ongoing programs serving food to the homeless community in Pershing Park and working with Transition House in their community kitchen. The temple’s reach even extended to build the Ubumwe Center preschool and elementary school in Rwanda, Africa.

The celebration takes place on January 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Bacara Resort & Spa, 8301 Hollister Ave., Goleta. To find out more about the Dreamers Ball, visit the event page at www.cbbsb.org/dreamersball, call 805/964-7869, or email dreamersball@cbbsb.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 4, 2017.

 

Help Secure Isla Vista Youth Projects Forever

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Courtesy Isla Vista Youth Projects.

Courtesy Isla Vista Youth Projects.

I had the opportunity to visit the Isla Vista Youth Projects Children’s Center site yesterday on a Women’s Fund site visit and was so impressed by what I saw. For the 2015-16 grant cycle, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara granted them $75,000 to help them get one step closer to completing the purchase of the Children’s Center, ensuring that 160 low-income child care spaces remain available.

Coincidentally, Isla Vista Youth Projects (IVYP) recently launched a campaign to raise $300,000 to qualify for $300,000 in matching funds to purchase their building in Isla Vista and successfully close Phase I of their capital campaign. Along with the Children’s Center,  Isla Vista Youth Projects serves over 2000 children and families annually providing high quality childcare, education and activities for children 0 – 5 years old.

The IV Youth Projects team is racing to meet this matching fund offer by the end of 2017. To date, IVYP has already raised over $1 million for this capital campaign and a successful $300k for $300k match campaign will close out Phase I of their capital campaign.

“For over 30 years, the Isla Vista Youth Projects has offered the children of Goleta and Isla Vista a safe, healthy and vibrant place to spend their days while their parents were hard at work. This campaign ensures that we can continue to offer this service to thousands of children in the future without the threat of losing our treasured home,” says IVYP Executive Director LuAnn Miller.

“The cost of real estate and skyrocketing rents are direct threats to community serving organizations across the County of Santa Barbara and IV Youth Projects is no different. We have a rare opportunity to match every dollar raised and secure our home forever.” says IVYP Campaign Committee member Dr. Yonie Harris.

IVYP’s capital campaign has already secured support from the likes of the Santa Barbara Foundation, Hutton Parker Foundation, Towbes Group, DiPaola Family Foundation, Kennedy Family, Orfalea Foundation, Mosher Foundation, Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, Wolfe Family, Casey Family, Cox Communications and more.
For more information on the campaign or how to donate, please, go to www.ivyp.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 8, 2016.

 

CALM at Heart: Awakening

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CALM supporters stand up loud and proud to give financial support to the nonprofit at this week's luncheon. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

CALM supporters stand up loud and proud to give financial support to the nonprofit at this week’s luncheon. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A fun afternoon to celebrate and reflect on the healing work of CALM was just what the doctor ordered this week.

CALM—which is an acronym for Child Abuse Listening Mediation—takes on the critical mission to prevent, assess, and treat child abuse in Santa Barbara County. The nonprofit provides comprehensive services for children, families and adults, and has done so since its inception in 1970.

Celebrating this organization at the beautiful Coral Casino was a heartwarming affair. K-LITE’s Catherine Remak served as master of ceremonies, introducing a new video highlighting the organization’s work throughout the county, with offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc providing prevention and early intervention programs, treatment programs and clinicians who work closely with individuals, families, teachers, administrators and law enforcement.

The theme was an afternoon of mindfulness, and it truly was.

Images of CALM at Heart: Awakening event at the Coral Casino. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Images of CALM at Heart: Awakening event at the Coral Casino. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

CALM staff members spoke from personal experience about their prevention programs across Santa Barbara County help parents and children heal from their traumatic pasts. CALM Chief Executive Officer Alana Walczak gave a moving presentation about the importance of being there and being leaders for our community’s most vulnerable people. Jennifer Freed, PhD, co-founder of AHA! (a local nonprofit committed to transforming the world by empowering teens to create peaceful and connected communities), was the keynote speaker, focusing on mindfulness practices.

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 http://calm4kids.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 11, 2016.

Style File: Think Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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lemongrass love by jane iredale October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which not only helps build awareness about this terrible disease, it also brings a flurry of mostly pink products, specially formulated to help the cause.

One of my favorites is actually not pink: Jane Iredale‘s new limited edition Lemongrass Love Hydration Spray. Produced in collaboration with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Lemongrass Love is a 100% natural, 30% organic aromatherapy facial spritz that conditions and protects all skin types while leaving skin looking smooth and revitalized. Not only is a pleasant, refreshing way to cool off and condition your skin, 100% of the profits (not just proceeds) from the sales of Lemongrass Love will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national education and support organization whose mission is to connect people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support.Charity wrap scarve

The Charity Wrap’s scarves are another great way to do good and look stylish when your outfit calls for a little extra touch of beauty. Made of 100% Viscose, they are long (33” wide x 35” long) and great for layering. Ind addition, The Charity Wrap is offering 20% off with the code fightforpink when you make a purchase through them. 

Mixed ChicksOne my favorite hair products, Mixed Chicks, has a great promotion going on this month. Every year, Mixed Chicks uses pink caps on their leave-in conditioner and for the month of October. One dollar from each sale of leave-in conditioner at mixedchicks.net goes to Save the Ta’Ta’s. 

Another great hair product, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, offers a limited edition pink design was created in partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Oribe dry texturizing sprayAn alternative to dry shampoo, this invisible dry hair spray builds incredible volume and texture and supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation to increase breast cancer awareness for women across the country.

Want to commemorate your breast cancer recovery date or the date of someone you love with a special memento? During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Not Just Any Old Day mark your special cancerversary date with pride and gratitude on a stylish Calendar Key Pendant that features a pink ribbon charm and a Swarovski crystal. Not Just Any Old Day donates a portion of all proceeds to the American Cancer Society.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 6, 2016.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Gold Ribbon Luncheon

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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.

Warren Beatty to Receive SBIFF’s Kirk Douglas Award

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Legendary filmmaker Warren Beatty stars as Howard Hughes in RULES DON’T APPLY, which Beatty wrote, directed and produced. Photo Credit: Francois Duhamel.

Legendary filmmaker Warren Beatty stars as Howard Hughes in RULES DON’T APPLY, which Beatty wrote, directed and produced. Photo Credit: Francois Duhamel.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will honor Academy Award winner Warren Beatty with the 11th annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film at the Bacara Resort & Spa on December 1, with all funds raised supporting SBIFF’s free year-round educational programs.

Known for his iconic roles in films such as Bonnie and Clyde, Shampoo, Heaven Can Wait, Reds and Dick Tracy, all of which he produced; Beatty’s next film, Rules Don’t Apply—an original story which he wrote, directed, produced and stars—will be released on November 23.

“Warren Beatty upholds the highest artistic standards of the film industry,” says Kirk Douglas, original award recipient. “His choice of material has entertained us as well as made us think more deeply about the world we live in. I’m delighted he is accepting this recognition of his extraordinary talent.”

Since 2006, the annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film, which this year coincides with Douglas’s 100th birthday, has been awarded to a lifelong contributor to cinema through their work in front of the camera, behind, or both. Past honorees include Jane Fonda, Jessica Lange, Forest Whitaker, Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, Harrison Ford, Quentin Tarantino, Ed Harris and John Travolta. All funds raised from the event will be used to support SBIFF’s free educational programs, like its 10-10-10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies, National Film Studies Program, AppleBox Family Films, 3rd Weekend and educational seminars.

The 32nd annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place February 1–11. For more information, please visit sbiff.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 20, 2016.