Storyteller Children’s Center hosted its Color the World Gala recently, a celebration that honored the community and the impact of Storyteller’s mission to support children facing adversity.
The event, chaired by Analise Maggio and Erinn Lynch, offered a night filled with art, a brand reveal, and a big surprise for emcee Andrew Firestone.
With a ruse that the night’s honoree was “Dr. Stefanie Rowen,” an anagram for Andrew Firestone, former “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison and his wife, entertainment reporter Lauren Zima, supported the big reveal as letters on a jumbo LED screen began to re-sort and Firestone’s friends and family stepped into the rotunda.
After being beckoned on stage with modified lyrics to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Firestone emotionally acknowledged, “I tell you this … this is my therapy. I love helping these causes because, when I ruminate on the challenges of struggling families, it gives me peace of mind to witness the display of compassion from the Santa Barbara community.”
Firestone hosts and emcees on average 52 events per year for local nonprofit organizations, pro bono.
The evening also marked a milestone for Storyteller, as the organization unveiled a new brand identity and logo — a colorful pinwheel-like icon symbolizing collaboration, support and advocacy.
“We wanted our new brand to reflect the facets that make us resilient, successful, and connected,” said Gabriella Garcia, executive director. “Each individual child, their family, our teachers, partners, and this community — everyone in this room — is represented in our new logo.”
Attendees were immersed in the mission of Storyteller with a Jackson Pollock-inspired step-and-repeat created by Storyteller students, and a testimonial featuring Storyteller parents and staff.
Suspended paint cans spilled fuchsia and violet tulle, rainbow light orbs glowed on tables, and children from Autumn Lotus’ Elevated Dreams swirled around guests with colorful bolts of fabric.
A full slate of art was on display, all donated by local artists, including Phoebe Brunner, Cassandria Blackmore, Pedro de la Cruz, Chris Gocong, Michael Haber, Belle Hahn, Kate Kramer, Nicholas Maggio, Giuliana Mottin, and Sylvan Butera Rich.
Nearly $40,000 was raised by the art auction alone.
A live auction featured items like four floor-seat VIP tickets to a Clippers game at the new Intuit Dome; a day with the Dodgers; a ski escape to Vail donated by Rachael and David Stein, and a live painting by artist Heidi Schwartz.
“Tonight’s event truly reflects an extraordinary collaborative spirit, the selfless generosity of our supporters, and the remarkable unity of this community. That’s what made the evening so unforgettable,” said Analise Maggio.
Storyteller, with three campuses in Santa Barbara, supportw infants, toddlers and preschoolers facing poverty and adversity during critical developmental stages. The group’s trauma-informed services provide stability, resilience, and growth for young children and their families.
Lynch, who also serves as the board co-chair, likened Storyteller’s work to the principles of physics: “Think of a firework: its trajectory, journey and dazzling display are determined by the foundation of its launch. We, all of us here tonight, are influencing a better foundation for these children, setting them on a path toward a brighter future.”
Guests included Sarah Cetrulo, Jon and Susan Clark, Lilly Hahn, Belle Hahn, Brooks Firestone, Sr., Ivana Firestone, Lucy Firestone, Brooks Firestone, Mary Firestone, Kenneth Kahn, Chuck and Margarita Lande, Lizzie and Brent Peus, Kenny and Elizabeth Slaught, Carrie Towbes, Ben Sprague, Marianne Sprague and David Walker.
For more about Storyteller and how to get involved, visit www.WeAreStoryteller.org.