CALM’s annual fundraising luncheon, CALM at Heart, broke records this year, raising more than $550,000 to support programs that prevent and treat childhood trauma across Santa Barbara County.
On Nov. 7 325 guests gathered at Rosewood Miramar Beach to celebrate CALM’s life-changing work. Attendees heard moving stories about CALM’s impact.
“CALM is a lifeline. We walk alongside families through their darkest moments offering hope, healing, and a safe path forward.” said Alana Walczak, CALM president/CEO. “We meet children and parents exactly where they are, whatever their need, whatever their story.”
Highlighting the event was a story from Kennedy, a former CALM client, CALM’s teen ambassador who shared her full-circle story.
Once a young child in need of support, Kennedy is now a leader, advocate, and aspiring law student.
Attendees saw firsthand how transformational CALM’s care can be when children receive the right support at the right time.
“The fire in me – it was real, but it was fighting to stay lit,” Kennedy said. “CALM didn’t give me that fire, but they protected it,” she said. “They gave it oxygen. They helped me shift from a little girl just trying to survive into a young woman learning how to thrive.
“I am living proof that when you invest in community, you change the course of someone’s life.”
The success of CALM at Heart reflects the commitment of CALM’s supporters to protect children, strengthen families, and build a resilient future, the nonprofit said.
“CALM continues to be a beacon of hope for thousands of families each year, and the event was a powerful reminder of the impact that can be made when the community comes together,” organizers said.
“Together, we can do hard things,” Walczak said. “Together, we are the hope our community needs.”
CALM thanks the following 2025 CALM at Heart sponsors for their support:
Visionary: Belle Hahn
Changemakers: Steve Lyons; Carrie Towbes, John Lewis
Trailblazers: Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.; Bartlett, Pringle & Wolf LLC; Casa Dorinda; Chevron; Roberta and Matt Collier; The Dalporto and Drucker Families; Carolyn and Andrew Fitzgerald; Devyn Gehret.
Hutton Parker Foundation; Josephine Tournier Ingram Collectors; Anna Kokotovic; Analise Maggio and Ben Sprague; Mission Wealth Management; Raymond James; Richard A. Russell Family.
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians; Katrina Sprague and Justin Fantl; Cate Stoll and Alexis Courson; Scott Vincent; Zegar Family Fund.
Innovators: Jill and Sam Ellis; Susan and Gary Gulbransen; HUB International Insurance Services; Montecito Bank & Trust; Caroline and Dave Powers
Leaders: Accountix, Inc.; Anonymous; A.T. Still University – College for Healthy Communities; Bryant and Sons Jewelers; California Learning Center – Wendi Ostroff; Fred Clough; Cottage Health.
Chana and Jim Jackson; Cheyne and Ryan McClellan; Lois Moore; Mary and Jim Morouse; Mutual of America; Northern Trust.
NS Ceramic, Inc.; Marnie and Steven Pinsker; The Riviera Ridge School; Village Properties; CJ and Richard Yao; Zohar and Danna Ziv
Wine Sponsor: Trippers & Askers
CALM is a community-based mental health agency with a mission to prevent childhood trauma, heal children and families, and build resilient communities throughout Santa Barbara County.
Each year, some 3,000 children and families receive mental health support, with services offered at CALM’s clinics in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc, and in community spaces.
To learn more, visit calm4kids.org.