Tiara Ball 2020

The Cottage Health folks call it the “party of the year” and the Tiara Ball was certainly one of the most elegant. Tiaras and tuxes abounded. Formal is fun! It could have been a scene in a movie. There was no silent or live auction in sight thanks to the generous support of its patrons. According to fourth time Ball chair Alexis Nourse, “Presenting sponsors were the Bollag Family (Ben and Naomi and Michael and Tracy) and Tiara Sponsor was Lady Leslie Ridley–Tree,” looking tres chic in a jeweled kimono. Leslie not only co-chaired the campaign that built our new hospital, she continues to serve on our current campaign Task Force and the Tiara Ball Committee. This was the first ever presenting sponsor and the Bollag family supported that. Accolades to Alexis for her tireless service to Cottage and the Tiara Ball.

Cocktails and bites were served to the sold out crowd in the lobby area of the Ritz Carlton Bacara amid lots of chatter. With friends so busy, these events are a good chance to catch up. The ballroom doors opened, the band played and people found their seats. Sculpted giant flowers dotted the room and video screens projected more flowers. This was all in the name of Critical Care Services at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH).

Ball chair Alexis welcomed all the guests and thanked her committee: Gina Andrews, Virginia Barkley, Katy Bazylewicz, David Dietrich, Kassie Goodman, Ana Grotenhuis, Heather Hambleton, Lisa Iscovich, Sue Neuman, Cathy Quijano, Leslie Ridley-Tree, Robin Sonner, Magda Stayton, Esther Takacs, Alexis Tande, Betsy Turner, Mary Werft, and Margaret Wilkinson.

Cottage Health president and CEO Cottage Health Ron Werft told us, “For over 125 years our not-for-profit health system has been providing advanced medical care for patients throughout California.” In 1888 a group of 50 Santa Barbara women recognized it was time for the growing community to have a hospital – a not-for-profit facility dedicated to the well being of all residents, regardless of one’s ability to pay.

Ron went on to say they are a national leader in hospital care. Only 2.2% of hospitals evaluated earned the government’s first ever five star rating for overall quality and safety. SBCH and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital were two of them. They have finally completed an $820 million project on time and on budget. Not to forget it is also a teaching hospital and a Level 1 trauma center.

Proceeds from the 2020 Ball will support the development of a new Emergency Care Innovation Model-a revolutionary approach that will allow them to handle an ever-growing volume of patients and to continue to provide the best possible care. It’s scheduled for completion in 2021. Last year SBCH emergency department served more than 48,000 patients and the number grows. The new emergency center will treat more than 70,000 patients a year.

Since 2005 the Tiara Ball has raised $5,771,945 to help treat thousands of children and adults who are critically ill or injured. Board chair Greg Faulkner wants you to know, “If you would like to learn more about Cottage and how your gift can make an impact, please call 805.879.8980. Donations may also be made online at www.cottagehealth.org/donate.