On a balmy evening at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, more than 500 guests gathered in black-tie style to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation’s Tiara Ball — long heralded as “The Party of the Year.”
By the end of the evening, the fundraising juggernaut had raised more than $775,000 to support lifesaving pediatric care.
The annual gala honors health-care professionals, celebrates donor generosity and raises vital funds for Cottage Children’s Medical Center.
Heather Hambleton, speaking, and Lisa Iscovich, to her left, welcome Tiara Ball guests as committee co-chairwomen of the lavish gala at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara. Credit: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation photo 
Under the theme of “The Giving Sea,” the ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara was transformed into a decidedly underwater vibe. Credit: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation photo 
Kristen and Zack Cantor, left, and Emily and Robert Sunderland at the Tiara Ball. The Sunderlands’ youngest daughter, Athena, received special recognition during the gala for the care she received at the Haselton Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cottage Children’s Medical Center. Credit: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation photo 
Ready for the night to begin. Credit: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation photo 
Tiara Ball conversations and connections. Credit: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation photo 
Jeanette Gumber and Santa Barbara County Supervisor Roy Lee. Credit: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation photo 
Guests of honor. Credit: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation photo 
The colors were brilliant. Credit: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation photo 
Dancing into the night. Credit: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation photo 
The author with Yumi Bollag. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
This year’s milestone event focused on expanding its impact so children and families throughout the Central Coast can continue to receive exceptional care close to home.
Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, with many opting to mingle outdoors in the warm evening air.
It was a glittering crowd, including many young health-care professionals enjoying the chance to trade their everyday scrubs for black-tie attire.
Inside, the ballroom revealed a dramatic transformation by Bon Fortune Events. This year’s theme, “The Giving Sea,” created an immersive experience reflected in the décor, table design and lighting.
Guests were also treated to a special dance performance by State Street Ballet.
The program featured remarks from event co-chairs Heather Hambleton and Lisa Iscovich; Eric Seale, chairman of the Cottage Health Board of Directors; Scott Wester, president and CEO of Cottage Health; and Dr. Miriam Parsa, chief medical officer for Cottage Children’s Medical Center.
A Diamond Sponsorship from Ben Bollag and his late wife, Naomi, helped make the evening possible.
Bollag and their children, who attended the gala, continue the philanthropic legacy of his wife, who died in 2025 and who is remembered for her generosity, compassion and visionary commitment to the community.
After dinner, guests watched a moving video about the now-1-year-old and thriving Athena Sunderland, who was born prematurely in 2025 and received extensive care at the Haselton Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cottage Children’s Medical Center.
Proceeds from the gala support the full spectrum of pediatric care — from emergency services and specialty clinics to the quiet comforts that surround a child’s healing.
The event was made possible by dedicated community volunteers led by co-chairs Hambleton and Iscovich, along with Gina Andrews, Katy Bazylewicz, Andrew Brown, Sharon Jordano, Allison LaBarge, Mari McAlister, Sue Neuman, Alex Nourse, Cathy Quijano, Betsy Turner, Nicole Webster, Mary Werft and Margaret Wilkinson.
Click here for more information about the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation. Click here to make an online donation.
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