Earlier this year, Gatherings for Good partnered with the William Sansum Diabetes Center (WSDC) to produce their 15th Annual Taste of the Vine & Auction fundraiser which was held on August 26, 2017 at QAD in Summerland, CA. Money raised went to support the organization and the work they do in the Santa Barbara community through education, care and treatment to those affected with diabetes. Taste of the Vine & Auction - August 26, 2017 The event included 36 food, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverage purveyors who offered up small bites and tastings to over 300 guests which included several sponsors including their largest sponsor, Rabobank. Event goers were treated to music by local Santa Barbara DJs Zeke Monarrez and Jerry Rodriguez who were also the event Emcees. Special performance by 2016 teen star winner Jackson Gilles was one of the highlights of the day. Jackson who is a Type 1 diabetic played a couple songs for the crowd and spoke about his personal experience. Chef Charles Mattox, executive director of Reversed, a reality show about diabetes also spoke to crowd and displayed enthusiasm for doing his part to help raise awareness about diabetes. A VIP reception on the balcony was set up beautifully with lounge furniture provided by the Tent Merchant and Riverbench Winery served glasses of sparkling wine as first guests began to arrive. It was a busy day that came together over a period of 5 months from the time we came on board as the event producer. Over 80 volunteers were onsite throughout the day which began at 9am for set up in the morning. Many volunteers were needed to help with tasks including event set up and breakdown, food service, raffle ticket sales, auction set up and working the guest registration area assisting with checking guests in and out. The Gatherings for Good team along with the WSDC staff and event committee worked together to create a fun afternoon event that provided people with a wide variety of food and beverage options, live entertainment and impressive auction items to bid on during both the silent and live auctions which included trips to Tuscany, Ireland and Costa Rica! Local transportation company Jump on the School Bus who is known best for providing wedding and event transportation and tours graciously donated an 8 hour wine or beer tour for up to 30 guests to visit some of the finest local wineries and breweries around the central coast. Here is a brief video the WSDC put together with photos and music from Jackson Gilles of some of the day's highlights. The event raised $127,000 for the diabetes center and generated more exposure in the Santa Barbara community. We were happy to do our part to ensure the event was a success by strategic planning, design concept, vendor sourcing, volunteer coordination and management, overseeing all logistical elements as well as on-site event execution. Thank you to our industry partners for all your efforts at the 15th Annual Taste of the Vine: DJ Zeke The Tent Merchant Santa Barbara Ice & Propane Marborg Blue Star Parking If you are interested in partnering with Gatherings for Good for your next fundraiser or charity event contact us for a free consultation. See more about our non-profit services here.
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A very big THANK YOU to all those who made this event possible and to the supporters, sponsors and donors for their generous contributions! The free flowing culinary experience was held at the Montecito Country Club and consisted of 19 chefs and restaurants, all of whom created tasty dishes from their menus for guests and celebrity judges to sample. On Friday, May 15th Family Service Agency’s very first Cooking Up Dreams culinary event dazzled, delighted and dished out delicious fare from several leading local chefs and restaurants. It was an exciting, new cooking competition event and fundraiser to benefit both Family Service Agency and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Barbara County. Congratulations to Avery Hardin of Scarlett Begonia who won the People's Choice Award and Kurt Steeber of Cielito who won the Judge's Choice Award! Great job to all the amazing chefs who participated! Other entertainment included music from DJ Scott Topper, a photo booth courtesy of 805 Party Pix, a chocolate fountain, hosted bar with exquisite wines and silent auction. Guests were welcomed by the host for the evening, Santa Barbara’s own Meredith Garofalo of KEYT, Newschannel 3 who served as the Event Committee Chair and Emcee for the night. Legendary newsman John Palminteri entertained the crowd as the auctioneer for the Dream BIG live auction which featured a guitar signed by Katy Perry, South African Safari and a trip to Mexico! Brenda Cali of Gatherings for Good was thrilled to be included and volunteer her time to support these organizations and the contributions they make to positively impact families and individuals in the community. To learn more about Family Service Agency, the programs they offer or to make a donation, please click here.
Gatherings for Good Volunteers at Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation - Moments in Time Fundraiser!5/4/2015
On Saturday, May 2nd, Brenda Cali, Owner and Event Planner with Gatherings for Good volunteered at the annual fundraising event Moments in Time, A Masked Affair, organized by Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF). This inaugural event was named after one of TBCF’s most beloved programs that offers special experiences to children with cancer such as surprise birthday parties, meeting celebrities or fun outings.
A special moment took place when guest of honor, 11 year old Faith DeBrum of Santa Maria and her family gave a heartfelt testimonial, thanking TBCF for their all their support after Faith was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphoma. Before the event Faith was treated to a makeover courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue andK. Frank Boutique who provided Faith with a new outfit, jewelry and makeup. The staff at TBCF surprised Faith by announcing that she would be getting tickets to see a live taping of two of her favorite shows – The Voice and American Idol in Los Angeles later this month. It was a very touching moment.
Brenda Cali of Gatherings for Good Events volunteered selling raffle tickets and assisting with the live auction and paddle raise which was a huge success! All donations made that evening will help provide emotional and financial support to families throughout San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. If you would like to make an online donation to the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation please click below!
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Image: Kacie Jean Phototography
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Brenda Cali is a professionally trained Wedding Consultant and plans a variety of social and corporate events. Categories
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