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, The Love Boat – Sailing to Alaska Annual Gala, Noozhawk spoke with Heather Behrens at Santa Barbara Maritime Museum to learn more about their event.
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Question: What is the name and date of your event?
Answer: The Love Boat – Sailing to Alaska | March 6, 2026.
Q: What is the mission, goal, and/or theme of this occasion?
A: The 2026 Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Gala, themed “Love Boat – Sailing to Alaska,” is a glamorous, cruise-inspired annual fundraiser designed to bring the community together for an evening of dinner, entertainment, and auctions—all in support of the museum’s mission to inspire curiosity, conservation, and connection to the sea.
The event celebrates maritime heritage while raising essential funds for SBMM’s exhibits and youth education programs, and will feature a special tribute honoring ocean explorer and conservation leader Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Q: Have you held this event before?
A: Yes, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has held an annual gala fundraiser for many years, and it has become one of our most important and anticipated events of the year. While the gala itself is a longstanding tradition, the Love Boat theme is in its second year, bringing a fun, cruise-inspired experience to the evening.
The gala is critically important because it provides essential funding that allows SBMM to fulfill its mission year-round. Proceeds support the museum’s youth education programs serving nearly 5,000 students annually, help preserve and care for historic collections and vessels, and enable SBMM to develop engaging exhibits and public programs for more than 40,000 visitors each year.
This fundraiser also helps ensure the museum remains accessible to the community and continues to serve as a vibrant center for maritime history, ocean education, and stewardship along the Santa Barbara waterfront.
Q: Tell us some more details about your celebration?
A: Honoring Extraordinary Contributions with the Admiral’s Award
A highlight of the 2026 Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Gala — The Love Boat – Sailing to Alaska — will be the presentation of the museum’s prestigious Admiral’s Award to world-renowned ocean explorer, educator, and conservation leader Jean-Michel Cousteau.
The Admiral’s Award is one of SBMM’s highest honors, recognizing individuals whose lifetime achievements have profoundly advanced our understanding of the ocean and inspired global stewardship of marine environments.
Jean-Michel Cousteau has dedicated his life to continuing and expanding the legacy of ocean exploration begun by his father, Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Through decades of groundbreaking documentaries, expeditions, and public education initiatives, he has brought the wonders and fragility of the ocean to millions around the world.
As founder of Ocean Futures Society, he has championed marine conservation, environmental education, and sustainable ocean practices, helping communities and future generations understand their vital connection to the sea.
Honoring Jean-Michel Cousteau reflects the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s own mission to inspire curiosity, education, and stewardship of the Santa Barbara Channel and beyond. His work embodies the spirit of exploration, conservation, and public engagement that defines SBMM’s role on the waterfront.
Presenting the Admiral’s Award during this special evening celebrates not only his extraordinary contributions, but also the shared commitment of our community to protecting the ocean and preserving maritime heritage for generations to come.
For those wishing to make a gift in honor of Jean-Michel Cousteau, please contact SBMM’s Director of Development Emily Duncan at eduncan@sbmm.org for more information.
Q: How do people get involved with your event? (volunteer, attend, etc.)
A: People can get involved with the event through the following:
Attend the Gala
Join the celebration on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 p.m. at Cabrillo Pavilion—all to benefit SBMM’s exhibits and youth education programs. Individual tickets ($500) and sponsorship opportunities ($2,500-$25,000) are available. For tickets and details, visit our website or contact the museum’s Director of Development Emily Duncan at (805) 456-8744 or eduncan@sbmm.org.
Online Auction
Enhancing the excitement of the event is SBMM’s online auction, open to the entire community from February 25 to March 4, 2026. This is your chance to bid on unique treasures and experiences while supporting the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Interested in making a difference? Sail away with great items by bidding HERE.
Other Ways to Get Involved
You can also support SBMM through membership. All participation helps further SBMM’s impact in the community and supports programs that connect people to maritime history and ocean conservation.
Volunteer roles are available year-round and include assisting with events like the gala, serving as a docent, welcoming visitors, giving tours, and supporting educational activities. To learn more or apply to volunteer, contact the museum at volunteer@sbmm.org or (805) 456-8748, or visit sbmm.org/volunteer.
Q: Is this a fundraising affair? If so, how will the funds raised help your organization?
A: Yes, the 2026 gala is the museum’s signature annual fundraising event and one of the most important ways the community helps sustain and grow the museum’s mission.
Funds raised directly support transformative youth education programs that serve nearly 5,000 students annually, providing hands-on ocean science and maritime learning experiences that inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Gala proceeds also help preserve SBMM’s historic collections, care for vessels like the flagship Ranger, develop engaging new exhibits, and ensure the museum remains accessible to more than 40,000 visitors each year.
Every gift made through the gala strengthens SBMM’s ability to connect people to the sea, protect our maritime heritage, and inspire stewardship of the Santa Barbara Channel for generations to come.
Q: Who is sponsoring your event, and why is their support important?
A: The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s 2026 Gala is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, community partners, and individual sponsors who share SBMM’s commitment to preserving maritime heritage and advancing ocean education.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors:
Captain’s Table
Robert and Carolyn Duncan
First Officer’s Club
Lynda Fairly and Richard Finkley
Chuck and Mary Wilson
George Writer
Cruise Director
Hiroko Benko and John and Bobbie Kinnear
Debbie and Mike Bruce
Andy and Mary Jane Cooper
John and Tracie Doordan
Caroline and EJ Fisher
Bob and Mary Gates
Ann Howard
Hutton Parker Foundation
Bill and Marian Nasgovitz
Montecito Bank & Trust
Island Explorer
Arlington Financial Advisors
Randy Franciose and Christy Kelso
Lynn Kirst
Ellen Robinson
Print Sponsor
JANO Printing & Mailworks
Media Sponsor
Noozhawk
Thank you to our auction donors:
Island Packers Cruises; Hiroko Benko; Liz Brady; Linda and Clark Stirling; Santa Barbara Sailing Center; Santa Barbara Zoo; Lobero Theatre Foundation; Alisal Ranch; Ensemble Theatre Company at The New Vic; Olio E Limone Ristorante;
California Coast Naturals; Margerum Wine Company; Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History; Sunstone Winery; Santa Barbara Maritime Museum; Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Board of Directors; Santa Barbara Landing; Holly Lohuis; Chuck and Mary Wilson;
Moxi The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation; Farmers & Merchants Bank; Hotel Cerro; the Foundation at Hearst Castle; Community Arts Music Association of Santa Barbara, Inc; Adam Ernster; Riviera Beach House; Candle Bar 111; Melville Winery; Voluspa; Surf N’ Wear Beach House; anonymous;
Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum; Pony Cocktails + Kitchen; Chumash Museum and Cultural Center; Hearst Ranch Winery; The Granada Theatre; Holland America Line; Liz Brady; David Hardee; Betty Helton; Natural Habitat Adventures; Gracie restaurant; Dart Coffee Co.; Cheese Shop Santa Barbara; and Celebration Cruises.
Q: Do you work with an Event Planner? If not, who are the key people who make it all happen?
A: The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum does not work with an outside event planner for the gala. Instead, this special evening is made possible through the extraordinary dedication of the museum’s Events Committee, whose members work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure its success.
We are deeply grateful to our Committee Co-Chairs, Robyn Parker and Caroline Fisher, and to committee members Chad Makela, Linda Stirling, Cindy Makela, Mary Wilson, and Sigrid Toye, whose creativity, leadership, and countless volunteer hours bring the gala to life.
Their passion for SBMM and commitment to our mission make this event not only possible, but truly exceptional.
Their efforts help ensure the gala remains a meaningful and successful fundraiser that supports the museum’s exhibits, education programs, and community outreach.
Q: Does your organization have any other upcoming events this year?
A: Yes, in addition to the 2026 gala, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is hosting its exciting online auction, which opens February 25 and features exclusive experiences, photography, and more!
View the auction HERE. The auction gives community members another opportunity to support SBMM’s mission while bidding on unique and memorable items.
Throughout the year, SBMM presents its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series—a community lecture series that brings experts, authors, scientists, historians, and adventurers to the museum to share timely, thought-provoking stories and research connected to the sea.
Topics range from Santa Barbara Channel history and maritime culture to current environmental challenges and ocean science, often complementing what visitors see in the galleries and sparking conversation about our deep connection to the coast.
You can view upcoming lectures HERE and the next speaker is Mary Nishimoto, PhD, liaison for the Joint Oil/Fisheries Liaison Office (JO/FLO) of South/Central California, on March 19, 2026.
SBMM’s rotating exhibition space will feature Aquean (April 9–July 26, 2026), an evocative new exhibition exploring time, tides, and transformation through the works of artists David Ellis and Larry Vigon, followed by Play: Bronze Sculptures by Susan Read Cronin (August 13–November 29, 2026), a playful, story-rich show that explores the breadth of human emotion through bronze sculpture, silhouettes, and poetry.
Beyond the galleries, SBMM offers youth education programs and special community events that celebrate the rich maritime history and marine environment of the Santa Barbara Channel—inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards and strengthening our community’s connection to the sea.
Q: What are you planning as a post-event follow up?
A:Following the Gala, attendees will receive a personalized post-event email expressing our sincere gratitude and sharing highlights and photos from the evening’s celebration. This follow-up helps guests relive the excitement while reinforcing the meaningful impact their support makes possible.
Just as in previous years, the gala’s impact extends far beyond a single evening. Funds raised directly sustain and expand SBMM’s 14 hands-on maritime and ocean science education programs—unique offerings that no other organization in the region provides.
These programs serve thousands of students annually, connecting youth to the Santa Barbara Channel through immersive learning experiences both in the museum and on the water. Through these initiatives, SBMM continues to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a lifelong connection to the ocean.
The evening’s success will also be shared across SBMM’s digital platforms, recognizing sponsors, donors, and attendees while demonstrating how their support fuels year-round exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach.
The gala is not just a celebration—it is an investment in the next generation of ocean stewards and in preserving Santa Barbara’s maritime legacy.
To learn more about Love Boat: Sailing to Alaska Annual Gala 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.