Angels Foster Care’s ninth annual Al Fresco Luncheon raised more than $200,000, setting a fundraising event record for the group. Highlighting the fundraiser was Angels Artisans on the Bluffs, featuring local artists who created original works for the benefit of Angels Foster Care children and families.
The recent event, attended by 255 guests, was hosted by Angels Foster Care parents Dr. Michael and Sonia Behrman at their Hope Ranch estate, a venue that offered an inspiring backdrop for the artists, who included Heisoon Haan, Francine McOwen, Gail Parker, Heather Ridenour and Melissa Seaward.
“We are grateful to our hosts, sponsors, donors, artists, guests and volunteers. Because of their generous support, local foster children from birth to age five will be cared for by loving, highly trained, and intensely supported Angels Foster Care parents,” said Lori Baur, Angels Foster Care Board member and chair of the event’s planning committee.
Local radio host Catherine Remak was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award. She and Angels Foster Care founder Meichelle Arntz served as co-emcees for the benefit. Baur and Holly Carmody, Angels Foster Care executive director, announced raffle prize winners.
The program concluded with personal stories shared by Angels Foster Care parents Sonia and Michael Behrman, and Sissy Ann and Dan Olvera.
Also on the event planning committee were: Candice Anderson, Meichelle Arntz, Lori Baur, Kelly Bourque, Zoe Copus, Charlotte Cross, Olivia Huynh, Sara Keppler Donen, Summer Knight Wahlberg, Marsha Kotlyar, Natalie Kunes, April Leon Jacobsen, Sheri Mardiat, Elizabeth Moss, Holly Murphy, Shannon Neels, Christy Philip, Ali Quivey, Megan Simon Brand, Michele White, and Katie Wisner Barbieri.
PivIT Global was Presenting Sponsor, Paskin Family Foundation and Schlinger Family Foundation were Diamond Sponsors. Other leading sponsors and underwriters included Montecito Bank and Trust, Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group, Kayne Anderson Rudnick Wealth Advisors, Coast 2 Coast Collection, The Lampson Team – Homeowners Financial Group, Kielle Campbell Horton, Rudi Schulte Family Foundation, The Scribner Family, Michele White, OSI Global, Fidelity National Title, Franzen & Franzen, Jolly Brothers Catering, and Asset Protection Services.
Since its inception in 2006, Angels Foster Care has placed 295 foster infants and toddlers in stable, loving homes and 145 of these children have been adopted into their Angels families. Angels Foster Care serves Santa Barbara County infants and toddlers from birth through age three, and their siblings up to age five, matching each foster child to a well-trained, loving foster family.
Angels families offer children in foster care a safe, stable home until reunification with biological parents or adoption occurs. For more about Angels Foster Care visit www.angelsfostercare.org or call 805-884-0012.