Art and Angels Over Lunch

Local doctor Michael Behrman and his wife Sonia are foster parents – and graciously opened the expansive gardens of their picturesque Hope Ranch home overlooking the Pacific to Angels Foster Care when the nonprofit agency hosted its annual al fresco lunch, with a record 320 guests raising around $200,000.

Founder Meichelle Arntz and K-LITE radio host Catherine Remak emceed the popular event, which honored Michele White as Volunteer of the Year, with the Junior League of Santa Barbara receiving the Organization of the Year Award. It was chaired by Lori Baur.

The Behrmans and Kim Faraudo movingly shared their stories of their fostering experiences.

While the boffo bash was taking place, five local artists – Melissa Seaward, Francine McOwen, Gail Parker, Peter Horjus, and Bonnie Fearer – working in different mediums created original works that were sold to benefit the nonprofit, while guitarist Michael Holland provided entertainment.

“With the marine layer it was a decidedly chilly day, but everyone here showed warm hearts!” said Executive Director Holly Carmody.

Since its inception in 2006, Angels Foster Care has placed 306 foster infants and toddlers in stable, loving homes – with 149 of those children being adopted into their Angels families.

Among the supporters turning out for the cause were Sue Heinz, Brianna Aguilar, Janet Garufis, Anne Luther, Erin Graffy, Megan Orloff, Thomasine Richards, Lucy and Mary Firestone, Marsha Kotlyar, Kirsten Cavendish, Diana MacFarlane, Holly Murphy, Hilary Burkemper, Bess Scribner, Erin Galbraith, Megan DeLoreto, and Zoe Copus.