The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s 22nd Annual Mission Creek Gala — The Seahorse Soiree — exceeded its fundraising goal bringing in a total of $500,000 during the April 30 event at the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf.
The Mission Creek Gala sustains the museum’s nature and science education programs, which affect more than 10,000 students each year through school tours, classes, storytelling, camps, and the Nature Collection lending library. The annual gala has raised more than $6 million for school programs since it began in 2000.
The Museum Access Fund (MAF) is a scholarship program provided by the Museum and Sea Center to visiting school groups in need of financial assistance. Schools with a 50% or greater enrollment in the federal Free or Reduced Price Meal Program may apply for scholarships through the MAF application.
The MAF was created to provide access to museum programs for low-income schools. Donations also enable the museum to provide programs at a reduced rate to schools that do not qualify for the MAF. Funds raised by the gala enable the museum to offer these reduced/waived fees.
The Seahorse Soiree attracted 172 attendees who enjoyed a reception in the first floor exhibit area that included interactions with the small sharks and rays in the Shark Cove, and sea anemones in the Intertidal Wonders touch pools.
Next, attendees moved out to the wharf and into a clear tent where marine-themed décor, including seahorse centerpieces, was designed by Joy Full Events, Inc. and Hogue & Co. There were six themed tables that represented elements of the Sea Center’s new exhibit Dive In: Our Changing Channel.
The Sea Grass tableau, Pelagic tableau, Kelp Forest tableau, Rocky Intertidal, and Sandy Bottom Lair were each sponsored by a museum trustee, and were designed to reflect the theme.
Between courses prepared by duo catering, there was a live auction hosted by Charlie Thrift, museum Teen Programs manager. Thrift is a former Quasars to Sea Stars teen program participant, and provided the student testimonial at the 2020 gala.
After dinner Lucy London, a volunteer and Quasars to Sea Stars teen program participant, discussed why the Sea Center and museum are so important.
Luke J. Swetland, museum president/CEO, made an appeal to the crowd and quickly raised $220,000. The Liquid Beauty raffle item was a malachite and diamond necklace by Sheryl Lowe Designs with a magnum of Sea Smoke Chardonnay.
The gala honorary committee included: Stacey Byers, Carolyn Chandler, Sheri Eckmann, Venesa Faciane, Elisabeth Fowler, Heather Hambleton, Ken Kelly, Annette Kowblansky, Bobbie Kinnear, Patty MacFarlane, Nancy Martz, Nanette Nevins, Susan Parker, Holly Pieretti, and Pam Valeski.