The Community Environmental Council (CEC) will host its annual Green Gala, 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
This year’s theme Rooted in Hope celebrates the power of community, connection, and collective action to create a more sustainable future for California’s Central Coast, organizers said.
CEC’s signature fundraising event brings together community leaders, local businesses, farmers, philanthropists, and climate advocates in support of practical climate solutions for California’s Central Coast.
The event will feature seasonal cuisine, local wines, auction experiences, and time to connect with fellow supporters of local climate solutions.
New this year, the Green Gala Market reimagines the traditional silent auction as an interactive celebration of local creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability, organizers said.
Attendees can explore experiences hosted by local makers, artisans, food and beverage partners, and enjoy tastings, demonstrations, and personal connections.
“Each experience will feature a corresponding silent auction opportunity, creating a dynamic and engaging way for guests to support climate action while discovering some of the Central Coast’s most inspiring people, products and places,” CEC said.
Featured Green Gala Market experiences include:
Rincon Hill Farm – A behind-the-scenes tour of Endwell Hospitality’s eight-acre regenerative farm in Carpinteria with farm nanager Chloe Lobdell and Tim King, director of mycology and regenerative systems, followed by a farm-to-table lunch at Monte’s, recently recognized with a Michelin Green Star.
Solminer – Taste Central Coast wines crafted through regenerative vineyard practices while learning how healthy soils create healthier ecosystems.
Twenty-Four Blackbirds Chocolate – Meet founder Mike Orlando, sample handcrafted chocolate and discover his vision for establishing a regenerative cacao and vanilla farm on the Central Coast.
Coyote’s Market – Savor house-made pastrami bites and meet the team behind the Carpinteria market, known for thoughtfully sourced meats and seafood from regenerative ranches and local producers.
Gonzales Siemens Family Farm – Meet Nathaneal Gonzales Siemens and Rebbeka Siemens and learn how regenerative farming practices are building healthier soils, more resilient farms and a sustainable future for agriculture.
Cuyama Lamb – Explore how regenerative grazing and thoughtful land stewardship can strengthen working landscapes while supporting healthy ecosystems.
Ventura Spirits – Meet local agave farmer Doug Richardson, enjoy Ventura Spirits’ signature La Paloma and discover how locally sourced ingredients create a true taste of the Central Coast.
T.W. Hollister & Co. – Sip botanical cocktails and vermouth inspired by Hollister Ranch while exploring the connection between regenerative agriculture and flavor.
The Green Gala event also offers a climate-smart dinner inspired by the land and the bounty of California’s Central Coast.
Rancher, author and television host Elizabeth Poett of Rancho San Julian, author of “The Ranch Table” will help shape this year’s culinary experience in partnership with Duo Catering.
Raised on her family’s historic Central Coast ranch, Poett is known for her commitment to sustainable agriculture, seasonal cooking, and bringing people together around the table.
“The culinary experience will highlight the role of climate-smart agriculture and working lands in building a more resilient future for the Central Coast,” CEC said.
The evening will also feature a live auction, special program, and opportunities for guests to support CEC’s work through auction participation and a paddle raise.
Thanks to the generosity of The Little One Foundation, the first $15,000 raised during the paddle raise will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of gifts made that evening, organizers said.
Highlights of this year’s live auction include:
A VIP Jack Johnson Concert Experience featuring premium tickets to his Oct. 3 performance at the Santa Barbara Bowl, complete with terrace access, VIP parking, exclusive concert merchandise and dinner at El Encanto.
Attendees can also bid on a Central Coast Farm-to-Vineyard Experience, beginning with a private tour of Tutti Frutti Farms before traveling to Tyler Winery’s Mae Estate for an intimate vineyard dinner prepared by Chef Clark Staub of Full of Life Flatbread.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the auction includes a Channel Islands & Wildlife Sailing Adventure, where guests will join Santa Barbara naturalist Peter Schuyler and marine biologist Holly Lohuis for a day exploring Santa Cruz Island, complete with a Mediterranean picnic prepared by The Daisy and opportunities to observe the wildlife of the Channel Islands.
“Rooted in Hope reflects what makes the Central Coast so special – people who care deeply about this place and are willing to come together to protect it,” said Jennifer Drucker and Jessica McLernon, Green Gala co-chairs.
“Through collaboration, innovation, and community leadership, CEC is helping transform the systems that fuel the climate crisis while safeguarding our region from its impacts,” the hosts said.
“This evening celebrates the progress we’ve made together and the momentum that’s possible when a community is rooted in hope,” they said.
For some 50 years, CEC has partnered with communities, businesses, farmers, and local leaders to create practical, people-centered climate solutions.
Proceeds from the Green Gala support the organization’s ongoing efforts to accelerate climate action and build a healthier, more resilient Central Coast.
In addition to Drucker and McLernon the 2026 Green Gala committee includes Clara Cadwell, Colette Carlsson, Brook Eiler, Natalie Greenside, Kerrilee Gore, Lily Hahn Shining, and Stephanie Theimer.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, foundations, and community partners. CEC also welcomes silent and live auction donations, paddle raise match support, and participation in the Honorary Committee.
CEC thanks the following event partners:
Community Champion Sponsor: Patricia Bragg Foundation
Steward Sponsors: MN Studio, Andrulaitis + Mixon, and Tyler Winery.
Green Sponsors: Randy Solakian Estates Group, Jon and Susan Clark, Anonymous, Bright Event Rentals, and the Efficiency Project.
Community Builder Sponsors: Alante Capital, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Central Coast Community Energy, Brighten Solar Co., Montecito Bank & Trust, Nancy Steinberg Barasch, Bella Vista Designs, and Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
Honorary Committee: Angela Antenore and the Wild and Free Film Festival.
For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and more about the 2026 Green Gala, visit cecsb.org/green-gala. Find CEC on the web at CECSB.org.