The Santa Barbara Foundation made history at its 82nd Person of the Year awards luncheon on Wednesday by honoring Carrie Towbes and George Burtness — both of whom continue extraordinary family legacies of community service.
Burtness follows in his father’s footsteps as a previous honoree, while Towbes holds an even rarer distinction, with both of her parents having been past recipients of the
prestigious recognition.
“I’m both humbled and grateful,” Towbes said, standing in the sold-out rotunda of the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and surrounded by friends and colleagues. “Looking around this room and seeing so many familiar faces from so many facets of my life is a reminder of what a small town Santa Barbara is; that small-town vibe is part of what makes it special and possible to have an impact.
“Making an impact is what my family has been doing for as long as I can remember, and I’m proud to be carrying on that legacy.”
Reflecting on her parents’ contributions, Towbes described her mother, Gail, as “the quintessential volunteer” and her father, Michael, as being known around town as “Mr. Santa Barbara.”
She credits their values as the foundation of more than 60 years of philanthropy.
“When my dad passed in 2017 and I took over the helm of the Towbes Foundation, I floundered,” she said. “Yes, I felt blessed and privileged, but I also felt guilty. I didn’t earn this money; I had a lot of self-doubt.”
However, a simple piece of advice changed her course: “Do what you know.” Drawing on her four degrees and more than 40 years in education and mental health settings, Towbes committed herself and the foundation to education and youth mental health initiatives. She highlighted the foundation’s significant strides, from hiring Executive Director Dr. Kristen Sullivan to assembling a powerhouse board.
Most important, she shared her evolution as a leader: “I decided I couldn’t be Michael Towbes, but I’m a damn good Carrie Towbes.”
She encouraged others to find their North Star: “Care more, not less.” With deep emotion, she thanked her husband, John Lewis, and her cousin, Rob Skinner, expressing “immense pride in what we’ve accomplished together.”
“Carrie is the kind of person who makes you believe in the quiet, steady power of doing good,” said Gabriella Garcia, executive director of the Storyteller Children’s Center, who introduced Towbes. “Not for applause, not for recognition, but because it’s who she is. What I admire most about Carrie is that her leadership is never about being in the spotlight; it’s listening more than speaking, and asking the hard, thoughtful questions.”
Ron Werft, president emeritus of Cottage Health, introduced Burtness, describing him as “a true renaissance man” — a humble servant leader whose lifelong volunteerism spans conservation, health care, the arts and beyond.
With Burtness’ more than 4,600 volunteer hours at Cottage Hospital, Werft said, “There’s a good chance if you’ve had an endoscopic procedure, you were escorted by one of the smartest and kindest people in Santa Barbara.”
Burtness credits his father, Dr. Hildahl Burtness, with instilling in him the importance of service from a young age, recalling how he often accompanied his father on rounds at Cottage Hospital.
“I also grew up with that motto, that it is important to be of service to others,” said Laura Hildahl Burtness, who spoke for her father, who was present but recovering from surgery. “My father has demonstrated and lived up to this motto in spades.”
“Burtness’ compassion runs deep,” Werft added, emphasizing his conservation work in Costa Rica and the Virgin Islands, his decades of leadership with Earthwatch and The Nature Conservancy, and volunteer service with the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, the Music Academy of the West and a long-standing commitment to the Lobero Theatre.
“George’s generosity extends beyond volunteering; the Burtness Nursing Education Endowment and the family gift to rebuild Burtness Auditorium ensure his legacy endures,” Werft said. “Reflecting on George’s life, what really stands out is the impact he makes on a daily basis for everybody around him.”
“My father is so humbled to receive this award,” his daughter said. “He wanted to especially thank his Cottage Hospital family; Ron Werft, Dave Asbell and Marianne Clark at the Lobero Theatre Foundation; and the Santa Barbara Foundation for this recognition.”
The annual Person of the Year award program honors Santa Barbara-area individuals, couples or families whose volunteer service represents a meaningful commitment to the community, addresses real community needs, or enhances the quality of life in the Santa Barbara area, or has involved acts of generosity, kindness or innovation, with an emphasis on the recent accomplishments and achievements.
In addition to the Santa Barbara Foundation, the celebration is supported by sponsors Montecito Bank & Trust; Noozhawk; Cox; The Kellogg Organization; Bartlett, Pringle & Wolf; Cindy and Steve Lyons; Patty MacFarlane; Katina Zaninovich; and Ventura Rental Party & Events.
