Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Annual Gold Gala Announcement
The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has announced its annual major fundraiser, The Golden Gala,to take place Oct. 5 at a private Montecito estate. Tickets are selling fast and maxed at 300 attendees, and sponsorships are available on the TBCF website.
The Gala marks their capstone event following National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. The TBCF is inviting the community to participate in the campaign in any way they can, from wearing a gold ribbon pin, volunteering, making a donation, hosting a fundraiser, and attending the gala.
The Golden Gala co-chairs are Jamie Hansen, Giana Miller, and Angel Speier, lovely ladies who hold top-tier positions in our town. Hansen is a relationship manager at Pacific Premier Bank and serves on the TBCF Board. This is her second year as gala co-chair. Miller is an aesthetician at Montecito Med Spa and is the mother of a son who overcame leukemia. Now a healthy 9-year-old, Henry inspires the Miller family to give back by donating their time and resources to the organization that supported them through their journey. Speier is a real estate agent with Village Properties, is part of the Crawford Speier Group, and known for her extensive volunteer work with many local organizations.
The Gala Event Committee is Brittany Arntz, Taylor Fuller, Sheela Hunt, Kerry Kelly, Terre Lapman, Gary Lapman, Debbie Neer, Stacey Polo, Susannah Rao, Lisa Solana, Brigitte Welty, and Ely Wolfe.
To find out more about the gala, I met with Kirsten Stuart, Communications & Events director; Brittany Avila Wazny,MBASenior Development director; andTaylor Fuller, Esq. Golden Gala Committee and board member.
Stuart briefed this year it was decided not to have a theme for the gala, to keep the focus on the TBCF and the work that it does. Gold is the color theme representing pediatric cancer awareness. Their fundraising goal is $458,000, from which 80% will support their programs to provide critical support for local families battling pediatric cancer, and to serve all families in the tri-counties battling pediatric cancer without a waiting list. Stuart and Wazny were most pleased to add that TBCF programs are approved to extend through 18- to 21-year-olds, provided they are treated on a pediatric protocol, which is common.
MJ: What are the top notes of this year’s gala?
TBCF: The Golden Gala is more than just a beautiful event; it is a meaningful celebration of what our community can do when we gather to support local families in crisis. Guided by our mission, every aspect of the Gala, from selecting honorees to selecting TBCF families as vendors, is centered on the families we serve. They are our North Star. At this year’s gala, a classical pianist and TBCF mother whose son lost his battle with pediatric cancer will participate by playing piano and allowing us to share a part of their journey. The emcee is Andrew Firestone. Live auction items include a Platinum Package to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival; a Los Angeles getaway, including Los Angeles Lakers and Disney Land tickets; a week in Lake Tahoe; a week in a Cape Cod home; a trip to France; and a painting by local Carpinteria artist Chris Gocong.
How was Brittany Rice chosen for the Humanitarian Award?
Through her personal journey with pediatric cancer, Brittany Rice has transformed her experience into a lifelong commitment to giving back. She has served on TBCF event committees, hosted fundraisers, and provided delicious cuisine for our supporters and families. In addition to her role as winemaker at Sunstone Winery, Brittany is also a chef who passionately believes in the power of healthy eating as a form of medicine. Inspired by Brittany’s dedication, as well as our mission, Sunstone Winery owners Teddy and Djamila Cabugos have generously partnered with TBCF, supporting us through sponsorships, fundraising, holiday toy drives, and donations of premium wines.
How was Danny Molina chosen for the Pay It Forward Award?
Choosing Danny Molina was easy. During his niece’s cancer journey, Danny was so inspired by the support provided to his niece and sister’s family that he enthusiastically rallied his network of friends and colleagues to raise funds in support of TBCF’s mission through a large motorcycle and car show. He’s continued these shows in various locations, bringing new friends and communities to our organization. He is constantly advocating for our cause and networking on our behalf wherever he goes, even going live on radio interviews to spread word about our programs. In addition to becoming a friend to the TBCF staff, he extended his support to other families undergoing treatment, embodying the true spirit of
community and compassion.
The Golden Gala’s presenting sponsor is Earl Minnis, with a Gold Champion Sponsorship provided by Michael & Kathy McCarthy of Nurture Foundation.
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