A Force for Change

A sea of blue swept over Bella Vista, the sprawling oceanside Summerland estate of polo playing hotelier Pat Nesbitt and his wife Ursula with 500 guests raising around $350,000 for the 14-year-old Santa Barbara Police Foundation with the annual Fun with the Force gala.

The popular organization provides financial support for injured and ill police department personnel and funds from the 911 At Ease program, which provides services to first responders that are not in the budget.

The bustling sun-soaked bash, co-chaired by James Nigro and Arlene Montesano-Westbrook, featured an immersive VIP tour of all things SBPD, dinner for 10 couples at Caruso’s at the Rosewood Miramar, a dinner for 10 at the Carpinteria firehouse, and a bottle of 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild and a $500 gift certificate to Lucky’s donated by wine dealer Richard Torin.

Food, wine, and beer came from two dozen purveyors including Ca’Dario, Jeannine’s, Joe’s Café, Los Agaves, Lucky’s, and Tre Lune.

Among the innumerable supporters were Bilo Zarif, Kathryn Martin, Ginni Dreier, Mayor Randy Rowse, police chief Kelly Gordon, and John Van Donge, foundation president.

A swellegant fête for a good cause….