Storyteller’s Hue-Popping Gala Rallied Around Santa Barbara Children Facing Adversity

Under the stars at the Hilton Beachfront Resort, Storyteller hosted its Color the World Gala, a vibrant celebration that honored the community and the impact of Storyteller’s mission to support children facing adversity. The event, chaired by Analise Maggio and Erinn Lynch, offered a night filled with brilliant hues, stunning art, a brand reveal, and a big surprise for emcee Andrew Firestone.

With a ruse that the night’s honoree was “Dr. Stefanie Rowen” – an anagram for Andrew Firestone – former Bachelor host Chris Harrison and his wife, entertainment reporter Lauren Zima, supported the big reveal as letters on a jumbo LED screen began to re-sort and Firestone’s friends and family stepped into the rotunda.

After being beckoned on stage with modified lyrics to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,”Firestone emotionally acknowledged, “I tell you this…this is my therapy. I love helping these causes because – when I ruminate on the challenges of struggling families – it gives me peace of mind to witness the display of compassion from the Santa Barbara community.” Andrew Firestone hosts and emcees on average 52 events per year for local nonprofit organizations, pro bono.

The evening also marked a significant milestone for Storyteller, as the organization unveiled a new brand identity and logo – a colorful pinwheel-like icon symbolizing collaboration, support, and advocacy. “We wanted our new brand to reflect the facets that make us resilient, successful, and connected. Each individual child, their family, our teachers, partners, and this community – everyone in this room – is represented in our new logo,” said Executive Director Dr. Gabriella Garcia.

Attendees were immersed in the mission of Storyteller with a brilliant, Pollock-inspired step-and-repeat backdrop created by Storyteller students, and a moving testimonial featuring Storyteller parents and staff. Suspended paint cans “spilled” fuchsia and violet tulle, rainbow light orbs glowed on tables, and children from Autumn Lotus’ Elevated Dreams Aerial and Dance Studio swirled around guests with colorful bolts of fabric.

A full slate of art was on proud display, all generously by donated local artists – including Phoebe Brunner, Cassandria Blackmore, Pedro De La Cruz, Chris Gocong, Michael Haber, Belle Hahn, Kate Kramer, Nicholas Maggio, Giuliana Mottin, and Sylvan Butera Rich.Nearly $40,000 was raised by the art auction alone.

A live auction featured exclusive items, like four floor seat VIP tickets to a Clippers game at the new Intuit Dome, a day with the Dodgers, a ski escape to Vail donated by Rachael and David Stein, and a live painting by celebrated artist Heidi Schwartz.

“Tonight’s event truly reflects an extraordinary collaborative spirit, the selfless generosity of our supporters, and the remarkable unity of this community. That’s what made the evening so unforgettable,” emphasized Analise Maggio.

Storyteller, with three campuses in Santa Barbara, is dedicated to supporting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers facing poverty and adversity during critical developmental stages. Their trauma-informed services provide stability, resilience, and growth for young children and their families.

Erinn Lynch, who also serves as the board co-chair, likened the work of Storyteller to the principles of physics. “Think of a firework: its trajectory, journey and dazzling display are determined by the foundation of its launch. We, all of us here tonight, are influencing a better foundation for these children, setting them on a path toward a brighter future.”

Guests included Sarah Cetrulo, Jon and Susan Clark, Lily Hahn, Belle Hahn, Brooks Firestone Sr., Ivana Firestone, Hayley Firestone, Lucy Firestone, Mary Firestone, Kenneth Kahn, Chuck and Margarita Lande, Lizzie and Brent Peus, Kenny and Elizabeth Slaught, Carrie Towbes, Ben Sprague, Marianne Sprague, and David Walker –all of whom contributed to a memorable evening filled with hope and commitment to community upliftment.  

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