Storyteller’s Dirty 30

Storyteller Children’s Center (SCC) held its 30-year black-tie gala in a new place in town – the Hotel Californian at 36 State Street. It was a movable feast with the evening beginning on the rooftop for a VIP reception for patrons. We moved on to the courtyard below for martinis, the silent auction, and a buffet dinner, then ended the evening in the ballroom for presentations and ending with Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds playing.

SCC has been caring for Santa Barbara’s homeless, at-risk children for 30 years. It began in a city parking lot but the therapeutic preschool now operates out of two campuses serving children and families who have experienced extreme stress. As executive director Donna Barranco Fisher told us, “One out of every four local children is at the poverty level. One even saw his mother being murdered by the father. There are 133 families on the wait list hoping to enroll their child, so he or she will be kindergarten ready.”

More than 90 percent of the families live in shelter, cars, or sub-standard housing. To qualify for the program, parents or guardians must be working or enrolled in an educational program full-time. If there is no intervention, the children won’t be ready for kindergarten and have a higher chance of dropping out of school.

Ron Gallo gave a glowing introduction for the tribute to Jon Clark for his 17 years of service to Storyteller. Jon responded, “He just made half of that up. I’m here because I’m older and eloquent.” I don’t think so.

Andrew Firestone said, “Thousands of children have benefited for a better future. These teachers have passion and compassion.” The gavel went down for a trip to New York, dinner at the new Monarch restaurant, and more. 

Big cheers to event chair Robyn Bartling and her co-chairs Sarah McFadden and Rachael Stein, plus committee Michele Cuttler, Stacy Fell, Kelly Finefrock, Carey Fitzgerald, Tiffany Foster, Robyn Gottesdiener, Lizzie Peus, and Kyra Rogers. Board president is Patricia Madrigal.

Says Arleigh Kincheloe of Sister Sparrow, “Education is the most important key to our future. We need to supply all our children with the basic tools for life, as well as all the love and support we can give.” Storyteller does that.

Storyteller has launched a “30 for 30 Campaign” – 30 students with donations of $15,000 for each, which is the annual cost per student. Other levels are available. Call Erinn Lynch at (805) 570-0990 for information.