Santa Barbara County is blessed with a diversity of vital nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the health, well-being, growth, civic leadership and compassion of our community.
Charitable giving and philanthropy are part of our identity, which is why Noozhawk is proud to support the nonprofit community through sponsoring local community organizations and events.
To showcase our support of the event, Tails of Hope, Noozhawk spoke with Lee Heller, Event Coordinator of Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundatio to learn more about their event.
Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation
Question: What is the name and date of your event?
Answer: Tails of Hope, Sunday September 20, 2026 from 2-5 pm at Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta
Q: What is the mission, goal, and/or theme of this occasion?
A: The goal of Tails of Hope is to raise funds to support the essential work of Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS), the organization responsible for all animal welfare in Santa Barbara County!
SBCAS is the mothership of animal welfare: they shelter over 6000 stray and abandoned animals each year (dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, and more!); respond to community needs ranging from stray dogs to injured wildlife to animal attacks; investigate cruelty complaints; assist during natural disasters; and provide safety net services for low income pet families, including hosting pet pantries at their three shelters (Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Santa Maria).
With so many responsibilities, and a county budget that is struggling, we are here to step up and help those who help animals, and the people who love them!
The theme of our event is in the name: we tell tails of hope, about animals and people who come in with struggles or suffering, and who emerge with hope thanks to the support of SBCAS and its fundraising partner, the SBC Animal Care Foundation.
Q: Have you held this event before?
A: We held the first-ever Tails of Hope last year, 2025, and it was such a success that we had no choice but to hold it again! Over 300 guests turned up, so we had to borrow extra chairs! But everyone had a great time, and asked us to do it again, so we are back by popular demand — hoping to repeat the fun, and exceed the fundraising, from last year!
Q: Tell us some more details about your celebration?
A: Tails of Hope offers an afternoon of fun under the sheltering trees of beautiful Rancho La Patera/Stow House in Goleta. Guests start the adventure with wine from La Lieff, beer from Draughstmen Ale, and nibbles from Solera & Co. They can browse our extensive silent auction; visit rescue partner booths; admire the music and bubbles of The Bubble Guy; experience a tarot card reading . . . all leading up to a live program not to be missed!
Celebrity emcees and animal advocates John Corbett (“Sex & the City,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), Bo Derek (“10,” “Tommy Boy”) and Animal Planet star Shorty Rossi (“Pitboss”) will welcome the crowd, to be followed by the funniest auctioneer you’ll ever hear — last year’s guests wanted an encore, so he’s back too! With a video and live auction, guests will have a chance to support a cause they care about and come away with a special experience!
Q: How do people get involved with your event? (volunteer, attend, etc.) – If your event includes ticket sales, please note the price and include a link to purchase tickets.
A: Sponsorships and tickets to Tails of Hope are available here: www.sbcanimalcare.org/tailsofhope Sponsorship levels vary — more information is available on the website. Tickets are $150.
Anyone interested in volunteering should email tailsofhope4sbcas@gmail.com
Q: Is this a fundraising affair? If so, how will the funds raised help your organization?
A: Absolutely — the purpose of Tails of Hope is to keep hope alive for Santa Barbara County’s animals and animal lovers by raising funds to support Santa Barbara County Animal Services! Funds raised at the event go to The SBC Animal Care Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that helps pay for veterinary expenses, equipment purchases, program needs and more. SBCAS depends on its nonprofit partners to meet expenses not covered by the annual budget.
Q: Who is sponsoring your event, and why is their support important?
A: We have a long list of sponsors, both businesses that support our cause (including Noozhawk!) and many individuals who care about animals. Our full sponsor list is available on the event webpage.
Q: Do you work with an Event Planner? If not, who are the key people who make it all happen?
A: Tails of Hope is entirely produced by a dedicated group of volunteers experienced in event planning and production! Event Coordinator Lee Heller has been involved in major fundraisers for 15 years. The team is dedicated to creating an event that is fun and inspirational for all!
Q: Does your organization have any other upcoming events this year?
A: The SBC Animal Care Foundation is hosting our Zombie Glow Walk/Run on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Blast 825 Brewery, Stockyards — Orcutt, CA
from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
More information is available HERE.
Q: What are you planning as a post-event follow up?
A: After Tails of Hope, we send out an email to all our attendees, wrapping up the numbers and making sure they know what a pivotal role they played in helping an essential animal welfare organization. Please come, so you can get one of those emails as well!
To learn more about Tails of Hope, click here.
If you would like to apply for Noozhawk’s 50/50 Match Sponsorship Program for your upcoming nonprofit event please click HERE to view our sponsorship application. The deadline for consideration is 30-45 days prior to the event. You can also contact our sales team at sales@noozhawk.com.