Santa Barbara Mental Wellness Center will host One Shining Night, its first evening gala supporting mental health programs and services in the greater Santa Barbara community.
The event will also honor the work and philanthropy of Ann Lippincott, whose contributions have been integral to the success of Mental Wellness Center.
The event will be 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dos Pueblos Ranch.
One Shining Night, An Evening of Glimmers and Hope supports the three pillars of Mental Wellness Center’s mission: free community mental health programs and services; mental health education for youth, families and adults; and safe, affordable housing for adults living with mental illness.
The gala aims to shine a light on the work of Mental Wellness Center, serving the community for more than 77 years.
The evening will also pay special tribute to Lippincott, for her decades of volunteer leadership and philanthropy on behalf of Mental Wellness Center, and devotion to children and the teaching of youth mental health education throughout Santa Barbara for nearly 20 years.
Lippincott joined Mental Wellness Center’s Board of Trustees in 2007 and during her tenure, she led the education committee, revamping and rebranding “Mental Health Matters,” a school-based mental health curriculum focusing on behaviors, attitudes and knowledge with emphasis on destigmatizing mental illness.
The class is now offered in 106 classrooms, reaching more than 4,000 students through Santa Barbara’s north and south counties.
Lippincott also teaches National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family-to-Family courses and Mental Health First Aid.
“Our vision is a community where all people can live their healthiest lives free of stigmas associated with mental illness,” said Annmarie Cameron, CEO Mental Wellness Center. “We are so grateful for the support of our community and generous donors.”
This fundraiser and live auction will be emceed by Catherine Remak and Geoff Green. It will feature cuisine by chef Chris Flint of Michelin Plate, First & Oak, hand-crafted cocktails, Alma Rosa wines, and the event design of Merryl Brown Events.
Live auction, staycation wellness packages include:
Dos Pueblos Ranch Experience: Two nights in the Casa Grande, which accommodates up to six adults and two children. The site offers access to a private beach, beachside deck, bar area, and picnic tables.
The package includes a basket of goodies, care of Merryl Brown Events. Guests also will enjoy a guided tour of the ranch’s scenic landscape and learn about the ranch’s history and some historical lore from its executive director, Geoff Alexander.
After a dip in the pool or soak in the hot tub, guests can end their day with a paella dinner for 12-15 guests, prepared tableside by Chef David Medina and complemented by a magnum of 2014 Staglin Family Vineyard ‘Salus’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
Oceanfront Escape for Two at the Rosewood Miramar Beach: Includes a massage for two at the Sense Spa; a sushi dinner at AMA Sushi; and full breakfast of coffees, teas, juices, and a menu featuring farm-fresh ingredients.
In addition to the live auction, only available for bidding during the event, tickets, information, and a silent auction of more some 15 staycations and wellness activities will be available for advance viewing and bidding, as well as during the cocktail hour of the event itself.
For tickets, advance viewing and bidding, and more information, visit https://mentalwellnesscenter.org/mwc-events/one-shining-night-2024/.
Celebrating 77 years of service to Santa Barbara, Mental Wellness Center provides mental health education to local students; a residential services program, which offers a home to more than 100 community members across seven residential sites; and serves individuals and families impacted by mental illness through support groups and social connection programs.