Dream Foundation hosted its second annual Twilight in the Garden Oct. 9 at the home of longtime supporters and foundation friends, Elizabeth and Kenny Slaught. The gathering acknowledged and celebrated the foundation’s devoted supporters and the Dreams they bring to life.

Kisa Heyer, Dream Foundation’s CEO, acknowledged Kenny Slaught’s 28 years of commitment. A founding supporter, he served as board chair for the past decade. Starting next year, hewill step down to serve as vice chair under Mario Muredda, newly appointed chair, current board member and New York Advisory Council co-chair.

Slaught’s dedication to the organization and those it serves will further be epitomized in an honorary role that the board will be creating.

For the first time, Dream Foundation introduced its Dream Docents Barbara Allcock, Trish Cantillon, Lore Coudert, Paloma Espino, Jaqueline Indelicato, Matthew Neal, Erin Smith, Rebecca Steiger, and Megan Turley.

Comprised of Dream recipients’ family members, current employees, former employees, and longtime foundation friends, docents shared their experiences with the organization and how it has positively impacted their lives.
 
A visual display highlighted the 1,824 Dreams the guests in attendance made possible through their years of giving. From iPads to connect with loved ones during the pandemic to final family vacations and myriad other experiences, the 1,824 Dreams served were as different and unique as the Dream recipients.
 
Guest speaker Krystal Johnson shared her experience of her mother Carolyn’s Dream. Carolyn was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at age 46.

With a life expectancy of six months, she knew she would never watch Krystal walk down the aisle, but she didn’t want to let her illness rob her of one particular milestone mother-daughter experience — wedding-dress shopping.

Krystal reflected upon that Dream day with her mother, acknowledging the attendees who gave them the opportunity to create memories that now live in Krystal’s mind and heart.
 
Andrew Firestone led the paddle raise and live auction featuring the following:

A Santa Barbara Polo Club Experience, courtesy of Farmers & Merchants Bank; a Cannabis Farm Experience, courtesy of Autumn Brands and CARP Growers; The Good Plow; and The Food Liaison, a Santa Ynez Valley Tour with wine tasting, horseback riding, and a stay at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, courtesy of The Inn; Vino Vaqueros; Bar Le Cote; Los Olivos General Store; Bien Nacido Estate and Miller Family Wine Company; Pony Espresso; and Beckmen Vineyards, a private screening of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis with Dream Foundation ambassador, Priscilla Presley courtesy of Presley and Nina Terzian, and a dinner paired with fine wine from cookbook author, blogger and home cook Valerie Rice courtesy of Ms. Rice; Eat Drink Garden; JONATA and The Hilt Estate, a Mexican getaway including first-class travel, a five-night stay in a six-bedroom home on Isla Navidad, and a two-night stay at Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, courtesy of Lizzie & Andrew Tobias; Casa Colina; Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo; and Alaska Airlines.
 
Music for the evening was provided by Tina Schlieske with Luke Ebbin.

Sponsors of the event were Presenting Sponsor – Colleen Barnett-Taylor & Michael Taylor, Paradise Sponsor – Southwest Airlines, Eden Sponsors – Apollo & Adara Alday; Elizabeth & Kenny Slaught; Sheryl Zimmerman & Philip Sloane, Oasis Sponsors — Elizabeth & Andrew Butcher; Kate & Arthur Coppola; Betty Dominguez; Elizabeth & Greg Fowler – G.A. Fowler Family Fdn.; Wells Hughes, Arlington Financial Advisors; Rick & Karen Perry; Kent & Alexandra Weed, LiveUrPurpose.com, Haven Sponsors – Debra Borden & Peter Borneman; Tim & Louise Casey; Lynn Kirst; Montecito Bank & Trust; David J. Nygren, Ph.D., Nygren Consulting, LLC; Eva & Emre Rhodes; Justine Roddick & Tina Schlieske; Elizabeth Farnan Rodrigues, CPA; and Heather Taylor & Todd Bogdan.

For more about Dream Foundation, visit DreamFoundation.org/donate.