Philanthropist Michael Towbes Turns Birthday Bash Into Benefit

The businessman, turning 80, chooses The Granada as the beneficiary of his July 15 celebration

By Jonatha King | Published on 06.18.2009

  • E-mail
  • Print this page Print
  • Comments (1)
    • Share

Local philanthropist and businessman Michael Towbes is turning 80, but instead of gifts and exclusivity, he’s remaining true to his legendary style: taking some of the spotlight off of himself and asking the community to share his milestone birthday at a celebration benefiting one of his favorite projects, The Granada.

The 500-person cocktail party, dinner-dance and fundraiser will be at 6 p.m. July 15 in the Rotunda and Plaza del Sol at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call Erin Harrison at The Granada at 805.899.3000.

In characteristic manner, Towbes consented to a birthday party only if it would benefit a local nonprofit organization. Through the years, he has been a leading contributor and volunteer for many community capital campaigns supporting the performing arts, education, health, human services and recreation.

He has made it his personal mission to help preserve the historic Granada. For more than 11 years, he has served as a board member of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, the organization that operates the remarkable theatrical venue at 1216 State St. that reopened to the public in March 2008.

“Few have improved the quality of life in Santa Barbara as thoroughly, or done more for its vibrant cultural life, than Mike Towbes,” said Peter Frisch, executive director of The Granada. “Current and future generations owe him more than a debt of gratitude.”

Frisch said The Granada is thrilled to be chosen as the beneficiary of the celebration. “Our capital campaign has been very successful, but there is still more to accomplish,” he said.

Anne and Michael Towbes have agreed to match donations received from the birthday bash.

There are a limited number of seats available for the business/cocktail attire event. At $300 each, proceeds from the tickets will begin the fundraising process for The Granada. There also are sponsorship and “special tribute” opportunities.

The evening will include performances by two Music Academy of the West graduates — baritone Eugene Chan and pianist Elizabeth Roe — plus State Street Ballet, the Santa Barbara Choral Society and the Granada Music and Arts Conservatory.

Erin Graffy’s Musical Mischief Productions will present “Michael Towbes: The Musical” — a musical cabaret of parody songs to roast the honoree. The evening will conclude with “dancing under the stars” to the music of Lois Mahalia and the Georgetown Band.

— Jonatha King is a publicist.

Comments

Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules as part of Noozhawk's shared online community. Please keep your comments civil and helpful. Don't attack other readers personally, and do not use vulgar, abusive or discriminatory language. Use the "Report Abuse" link if a comment violates these standards or our Terms of Use.

You must be a registered user to comment. Create a user account

Log in




Auto-login on future visits

Forgot your password?

» Former Barbarian on 06.20.09 @ 05:08 AM

Mike is a class act, and Santa Barbara is lucky that he chose to come to the city in ‘56 with Eli Luria, another great gentleman, to begin a remarkable career in home building, banking and philanthropy. He is an example of doing well by doing good, and SB would be a less livable community without him.  Happy birthday, Mike! Here’s to at least 20 more!

You don't have permission to flag this entry.

More Local News »

Genealogical Society Meeting to Feature Look at 200-Year-Old Torah Restoration

Special interest groups will meet before the Feb. 18 program

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Presenting Symposium on Conservation, Climate Change

March 9 event will honor the 2012 John C. Pritzlaff Conservation Award recipient, Dr. Daniel Botkin

Journey to the ‘80s with Page Youth Center’s Winter Bash

Proceeds from the Feb. 25 fundraiser will benefit the nonprofit's youth sports programs

Tracee Hennigar Joins Incredible Children’s Art Network as Executive Director

She will oversee programs, strategic partnerships, community outreach and fundraising

Gene Deering Elected President of Semana Nautica Association

Deering, a broker with Radius Commercial Real Estate, will oversee this year's 75th annual summer sports festival

Weather: Fair 73.0º


© Malamute Ventures LLC 2007-2012 | ISSN No. 1947-6086

Web Design & Development by PixelFive