Rooted Santa Barbara County will host it second annual Kale Disco fundraiser with groovy music, plant-based dining, and action to advance health equity and transform lives through the power of food and lifestyle medicine, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday, April 10 at the Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden St., Santa Barbara.
The event includes dinner, a brief program, and dancing. Colorful or ’70s disco-inspired outfits are encouraged.
Host for the evening will be actor and community advocate Duane Henry, who is best known for his role as MI6 Officer Clayton Reeves on “NCIS.” The event will feature classic disco music spun by DJ of Ability / Chris Benedict, and food by Palma Catering/Rascal’s.
Auctioneer Tina Ballue will invite bids on unique experiences and donations that invest in the community’s health, organizers said.
There will be a dessert auction featuring creations hand-crafted by local chefs, and the event will include a tribute to the Eastside Branch of the Santa Barbara Public Library with the Roots to Reach Award.
The Eastside Branch library is a “steadfast partner in activating and engaging community members and hosting Rooted’s programming to build a healthier, more inclusive Santa Barbara County,” Rooted Santa Barbara County officials said.
“We warmly invite you to join us for a disco-inspired dinner and benefit with disco beats, dancing, delicious plant-based dining, and collective action to advance health equity by putting food as medicine into practice so our whole community can eat to thrive,” said Beth Skidmore, Rooted Santa Barbara County chair/executive lead.
“Proceeds from Kale Disco support our outreach to individuals, families, and care teams to make food literacy, food as medicine, and evidence-based lifestyle practices part of everyday health” she said.
“I am a huge fan of everything Rooted Santa Barbara County stands for, from the wealth of education to the sense of community, to their food-as-medicine approach,” said Karla Gonzalez, Kale Disco honorary committee member. “This organization makes a positive difference each and every day and I am thrilled to be part of it.”
Honorary committee members for Kale Disco 2026 are Gary Clark, Yvette Giller, Robbie Gluckson, Karla Gonzalez, Geoff Green, Armando Martinez, Ernesto Paredes, Ginger Salazar and Brett Matthews, Eryn Shugart, and Cara Silva.
Rooted’s programs build the skills, confidence, and connections that empower every neighbor to eat more plants, prevent and manage chronic disease, and feel their best.
Six in 10 adults live with chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer —conditions that disproportionately impact many of our community members including under-resourced, low-income and Hispanic/Latine families in Santa Barbara County, the organization reports.
Food is a key driver of both health and chronic disease. Yet, 30% of local households struggle to access nutritious food, fueling cycles of poor health and financial hardship.
Through hands-on programs, community partnerships, healthcare training, and bilingual nutrition education, we ensure healthy, fiber-rich choices are easier to prepare and enjoy, accessible, and culturally relevant.
Sponsors and partners of this event include Ginger Salazar and Brett Matthews, Apples to Zucchini Cooking School, Dr. Fred and Sarah Kass, Emma and Dave Malina, Mosher Foundation, the Santa Barbara Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Sutter Health.
Thrive Foundation, Drury Pullen, A Professional Law Corporation, Montecito Bank & Trust, Justin Pearlman Certified Financial Planner, UCLA Health, CenCal Health, Cottage Health, eji events, David Huey and Lori Tremer-Huey, the Skidmore Family, John La Puma MD FACP, and the Santa Barbara Foundation.
Individual tickets are $200. To purchase tickets or join as a sponsor, contact hello@rootedsantabarbara.org. For more about the event and the organization, visit Rooted’s website.