It was the first time in Santa Barbara Mental Wellness Center’s 77-year history that the organization hosted an evening gala, and “One Shining Night, An Evening of Glimmers and Hope” certainly sparkled, attracting a sold-out crowd of 300 guests and reaching its $350,000 fundraising goal.
The event, held at Dos Pueblos Ranch, raised funds and awareness supporting mental health programs and services that benefited over 10,000 local residents in the past year alone, while also honoring the work and philanthropy of Dr. Ann Lippincott, whose contributions have been vital to the organization’s achievements.
“A mental health diagnosis can be extremely frightening for individuals and families,” said Annmarie Cameron, who has served as CEO of the Mental Wellness Center for 32 years. “There is a very real shortage of treatment options, which means people can wait weeks or months to get appropriate clinical care, yet Mental Wellness Center is there for people every single day of the year to welcome, support, and walk alongside them until they get proper treatment.”
In fact, Mental Wellness Center is the only place in town that offers individuals and families education, support and services at no cost and with no limitations on the duration of care. Remarkably, some clients have benefited from its services for over 20 years.
“I get to personally witness extraordinary examples of strength and resilience and joy, as people transition from hopelessness to getting help,” said Cameron.
One such individual was Shandra Campbell, who spoke personally about the impact Mental Wellness Center has had on her family, and especially her daughter Ashley. When Ashley first presented with psychosis, Shandra said that she and her husband had no idea where to go for help; it was one of the darkest periods of their lives.
“To say we were overwhelmed and frightened is an understatement,” said Campbell. “Then we found Mental Wellness Center, and the staff treated Ashley with compassion, dignity and respect and connected her to the Fellowship Club where she learned to interact with others, and to calm the voices in her mind. She developed life skills, confidence, and eventually Mental Wellness Center helped her secure an apartment. Ashley now manages the organization’s care closet, giving her a sense of purpose and responsibility that has been life changing.”
The evening also paid tribute to Dr. Ann Lippincott for her decades of volunteer leadership, and commitment to educating children and young adults on the signs and symptoms of mental illness. An academic with more than 30 years of education experience, Lippincott spearheaded the development of Mental Health Matters, a school-based mental health curriculum that has reached more than 18,000 Santa Barbara students since its inception in 2008.
“It’s an honor to be recognized,” said Lippincott, who shared the award with her team of passionate volunteer teachers. “I believe that education is the best way for us to fight against and eliminate the misunderstanding, the shame, and the blame that too many people still have about mental illness.”
The evening also included a discussion between KLITE host Catherine Remak and Dino Ambrosi, founder of Project Reboot, a nonprofit dedicated to helping students build intentional, informed and healthier relationships with technology.
Through live and silent auctions, as well as a paddle raise, “One Shining Night” raised critical funds in support of Mental Wellness Center’s mission, which includes free community mental health programs and services to all local residents in need; mental health education for youth, families and adults; and safe, affordable housing for adults living with mental illness. The organization currently provides housing for 115 residents across seven residential sites.
Gala committee members included chair Liat Wasserman (director of Development & Communications), Annmarie Cameron (CEO), Shandra Campbell, Karen Feuer, Karen Kelly, Julie Kessler-Solomon (Board co-chair), Bev Lochridge, Ann Lippincott, MK Littman, Sheba Lux, Ann Pieramici and Margaret Rau. Event featured cuisine by chef Chris Flint of Michelin Plate, First & Oak and event design of Merryl Brown Events. Special thanks to Robin and Roger Himovitz for hosting at their historic Dos Pueblos Ranch and to Bob & Barb Zorich, owners of Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards who continue to support mental health throughout the year by donating $10 per bottle sold in 2024 of their 2022 North Slope Pinot Noir.
For more information on Mental Wellness Center, or to make a contribution, please visit https://mentalwellnesscenter.org.