The Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) 2024 Green Gala, will be Saturday, Sept. 21, with this year’s theme of Regeneration, which underscores the work being done to support climate action on the Central Coast.
The Green Gala is CEC’s largest fundraiser, bringing together community leaders, environmental advocates, and philanthropic supporters to support local climate action and a sustainable future.
“The Community Environmental Council is at the forefront of climate action on the Central Coast, advocating for policies and practices that protect our environment,” said Carolyn Fitzgerald, 2024 Green Gala co-chair and CEC Board member.
“Supporting CEC means investing in a sustainable future for our region,” she said. “The Green Gala is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action for our community to come together and champion climate resilience.”
This year’s Green Gala will be held on the site of the original Weber Bread Company in the Funk Zone, which has recently been reclaimed by a group of local investors and operated by Acme Hospitality’s events team.
Dinner will include climate-smart cuisine by Duo Catering, with wine from Trippers & Askers. The event will feature a live auction led by emcee and CEC Board member Geoff Green.
A cocktail party and VIP Reception will take place at 5 p.m. before the main event, and attendees can stay on later for an after party with live music from alt-rock tribute band The Last Decade.
Climate activists of all ages are scheduled to speak at the event, sharing personal stories and insights, that reinforce the message of regeneration and hope for a climate-smart future. A local, youth-led rock band will perform as well.
Another regenerative highlight of the gala will be the Western Blue Elderberry, a native, climate-adaptive shrub that has the potential to become a significant crop for the Santa Barbara region for both food and medicinal purposes, according to CEC.
CEC is partnering with Central Coast farmers, ranchers, and other organizations to demonstrate how this promising crop can expand pollinator habitats, sequester carbon, reduce emissions, and enhance growers’ economic viability.
The 2024 Green Gala is led by honorary committee members Dorothy Largay, Sara Miller McCune, Natalie Orfalea, and Stacy Pulice; co-chaired by Carolyn Fitzgerald, Katy Powers and Michelle Weinman; and supported by a committee including Mally Chakola, Truman Davies, Nicole Delesalle, Rita Donahoe, Lucy Firestone, Belle Hahn, Bethany Harkrider, Julie Heider-Gray, Ashley Hollister, Analise Maggio, Connie Maday, Jessica McLernon, Sima Morriso, and Elizabeth Riley.
Green Gala Sponsorships are still available. Sponsorship details and tickets to the Green Gala can be found at https://cecsb.org/green-gala.
CEC thanks the following event sponsors: ACME Hospitality, Duo Catering, Moby Dick Restaurant – The Oyster Bar, The LAB, and Trippers & Askers.
For more about CEC, visit CECSB.org.