Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC), an initiative of Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB), will host its sixth annual luncheon, The Light Shines Ahead, 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16 at the Rincon Beach Club, 3805 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria.

The fundraiser event will feature guest speaker Jessica Clark, owner/founder of The Connected Co. Clark’s dedication to her community was forged through both triumph and tragedy. After enduring the loss of her first husband and her father within a year to cancer, she found solace and strength in the support of her community.

The experience ignited her commitment to giving back. She went on to establish, manage and sell multiple restaurants in the region, and has recently ventured into business coaching and consulting.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Clark is engaged in grassroots initiatives aimed at fostering community support and empowerment.
 
The luncheon will also feature steering committee chair Marybeth Carty; Virginia Benson Wigle, founder of the Starfish Connection, a nonprofit organization offering bridge gap grants to individuals who would otherwise fall through the cracks; and David Selberg, Hospice of Santa Barbara’s CEO.

Since the beginnings of Hospice of Santa Barbara 50 years ago, the organization has served children and families in Carpinteria struggling with the loss of a loved one or coping with life-threatening illness.

Due to a variety of factors, including a reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health, there is an increase in demand for services, and in some cases, an increase in wait times to receive services, according to HSB.

CCC’s goal is to reduce wait times by expanding its core capacity for counseling and launching new innovative programs that can reach more people.
 
The luncheon will have a special focus on remembering loved ones who have passed away, and their impact on our lives.

Guests will have an opportunity to donate and support the work of CCC in the name of their loved ones, helping bring programs and services, free of charge, to adults, children and seniors who are struggling with grief or life-threatening illness. Guests are also invited to bring a photograph of their loved ones to place at their table.
 
“The Light Shines Ahead has become a beloved annual event that brings this compassionate and close-knit community together to support our work in Carpinteria,” said Selberg. “We look forward to once again gathering with fellow CCC supporters, united in our dedication to offering assistance to anyone affected by serious illness or coping with the loss of a loved one.”
 
To buy tickets, view sponsorship opportunities or learn more about the event, please visit www.CompassionateCareofCarpinteria.org.

For more about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call 805-563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.