Rooted Santa Barbara County will host Kale Disco, with groovy music, plant-based dining, and collective action to advance health equity and transform lives through the power of food and lifestyle medicine, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden St., Santa Barbara.
Hosted by celebrity guest Duane Henry, the event will feature classic disco music spun by DJ of Ability Chris Benedict, and food by Palma Catering/Rascal’s.
Attendees are encouraged to wear ’70s disco-inspired outfits.
Auctioneer Tina Ballue will invite bids on experiences such as a plant-based dinner for six by Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa, and a one-night stay at the Rosewood Miramar Beach with a four course plant-based dinner for two and wine pairings at Caruso’s. Desserts hand-crafted by local chefs will also be auctioned.
The evening will include a tribute to the Santa Barbara Foundation with the Roots to Reach Award. Santa Barbara Foundation has supported Rooted Santa Barbara County as its fiscal sponsor since its inception.
Rooted Santa Barbara County is working to mobilize the community to improve health equity and resilience through whole food, plant-forward nutrition education and support.
In Santa Barbara County, six in 10 adults live with chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer — conditions that disproportionately impact community members including under-served, low-income and Hispanic/Latine families, Rooted Santa Barbara County reports.
Food is a key driver of both health and chronic disease, yet, 30% of local households struggle to access nutritious food, fueling cycles of poor health and financial hardship, Rooted Santa Barbara County said.
At the same time, most doctors receive less than 1% of their training in nutrition, leaving many providers and patients without the tools to address these conditions at their root, according to the organization.
Through hands-on programs, community partnerships, healthcare training, and bilingual nutrition education, Rooted Santa Barbara County is working to ensure healthy choices are easier to prepare and enjoy, accessible, and culturally relevant.
“We help families and healthcare providers not just learn what foods and habits to focus on for long-term health, but how to address barriers and make lasting changes,” Rooted Santa Barbara County said.
“Research shows that 80% of chronic diseases could be prevented or improved with daily habits. Rooted is here to make those habits joyful, doable, and sustainable. We’re a stronger community when we’re all healthy,” the group said.
“As we celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community, we invite you to join hands and do good together. Let’s harness our collective energy to uplift the health of all our neighbors and build a healthier future,” said Beth Skidmore, Rooted Santa Barbara County chair/executive lead.
“Proceeds from Kale Disco will expand our impact, invest in our capacity, train more local leaders in lifestyle medicine, and deliver culturally relevant community education—so everyone in Santa Barbara County can eat to thrive,” she said.
Sponsors and partners of this event include Ginger Salazar and Brett Matthews, Dr. Fred and Sarah Kass, Mosher Foundation, Santa Barbara Foundation, Sally Morgan and Michael Degusta, Justin Pearlman Certified Financial Planner, UCLA Health, eji events, David Huey and Lori Tremer-Huey, the Skidmore Family, Cottage Health, Rhonda Lee Johnson Photography, Caruso’s and Rosewood Miramar Beach, Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa, Lobero Theatre, Something Good Organics, and Lazy Acres.
Individual tickets are $200. To purchase tickets or join as a sponsor, email hello@rootedsantabarbara.org or visit https://RootedSantaBarbara.org/events.
For more about the event and the organization, visit Rooted’s website.