CALM’s annual fundraising luncheon, CALM at Heart, broke its record for the seventh consecutive year, securing nearly $570,000 to support programs that prevent and treat childhood trauma across Santa Barbara County.
The event’s total has grown by 90% – nearly doubling in success – over the past five years.
Some 300 guests gathered at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito on Nov. 6 for a lunchtime celebration of CALM’s work.
After an live auction led by emcee Andrew Firestone, attendees learned how CALM partners with agencies like hospitals, schools, and youth programs to integrate trauma prevention into the places families already turn to for help.
Melinda Cabrera, CEO of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, discussed how CALM responded after community violence affected club staff and members.
“We know there will be moments when our community needs support. It is not a question of if we will need that support; it is when. And when those moments come, we are deeply grateful to know CALM is there,” Cabrera said.
“Resilience isn’t one person being strong alone. It’s a whole community holding together,” said Alana Walczak, CALM president/CEO. “That is the community we’re building at CALM: one where help is within reach. Where we intervene early whenever we can before a hard season becomes a hard life.”
The members of CALM’s Teen Council, who are a part of that community, attended the event to unveil the first edition of an activity book they created with simple coping skills.
Their goal is to give children safe, engaging ways to understand their feelings and develop healthy practices, in line with CALM’s focus on early support, the organization said.
“CALM at Heart is all about coming together for our kids,” said Amanda Lee and Katrina Sprague, event co-chairs.
“The support we receive helps ensure that any family in Santa Barbara County navigating a tough time can access real, compassionate help,” they said.
CALM is grateful for the support of its 2026 CALM at Heart sponsors:
Changemakers: Dina and Dave Cantin; Hutton Parker Foundation; Anna and Petar Kokotovic; Steve Lyons; Carrie Towbes and John Lewis
Trailblazers: Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.; Bartlett, Pringle & Wolf LLC; Casa Dorinda; Alexis Courson and Jeremy Beim; Perri Harcourt; McCann Mini Storage; Mission Wealth Management; Raymond James; Maureen and Howard Rochestie; Zegar Family Fund.
Innovators: Jill and Sam Ellis; HUB International Insurance Services; Janet McCann; Montecito Bank & Trust; Caroline and Dave Powers; Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
Leaders: Accountix, Inc.; Anchor Point IT Solutions; California Learning Center – Wendi Ostroff; Cottage Health; Gallery Josephine; Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP; Chana and Jim Jackson; Sharon Lutz; Cheyne and Ryan McClellan; Bertha and Chuck Merrill; Mary and Jim Morouse; Mutual of America Finance Group; NS Ceramic, Inc.; The Ramirez Family Foundation; Patrice Ryan; Trudy Smith; The 9 Foundation; Village Properties; CJ and Richard Yao; Zohar and Danna Ziv.
Wine Sponsor: Trippers & Askers
For more about CALM and its mission to prevent childhood trauma, heal children and families, and build resilient communities, visit calm4kids.org.