Kim Cantin, a local leader and symbol of resilience, received ShelterBox USA’s 2025 Community Impact Award at a benefit last week that raised some $800,000 to provide emergency shelter and household supplies for families displaced by disaster and conflict around the world.
Cantin is a survivor of the devastating 2018 Montecito mudslide that killed 23 people, including her husband David and son Jack. Firefighters saved Cantin’s daughter Lauren, who was trapped in a dense mound of mud.
“Kim Cantin transformed personal tragedy into advocacy, compassion and service — supporting recovery efforts locally and standing in solidarity with families around the world who have lost everything,” ShelterBox USA said.
Cantin has told her story in an award-winning, redemptive book “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom.”
“I am very humbled and honored to receive this ShelterBox award,” said Cantin. “ShelterBox is an organization I’m passionate about for their humanitarian efforts that are so needed in our world today.”
The event at the Montecito Club celebrated 25 years of lifesaving humanitarian impact by ShelterBox, which started in Cornwall, England.
Donations to ShelterBox will directly support emergency shelter solutions including tents, shelter kits, cookware, solar lights that can charge phones, water filters and training and technical expertise.
Performer and Santa Barbara resident Kenny Loggins serenaded the 200 attendees with a version of his hit song “Celebrate Me Home.”
Andrew Firestone, local businessman and alumnus of the television show “The Bachelor,” conducted an auction of everything from a trip to Costa Rica to Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warrior tickets for four in a luxury box at Crypto.com Arena,
Lance Orozco, the news director for KCLU, the National Public Radio station serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, hosted the gala. Orozco’s reporting has included coverage of work by ShelterBox USA’s humanitarian work.
“This evening was an incredible outpouring of love and support from the community,” said Kerri Murray, president of ShelterBox USA. “It was deeply moving to stand together with so many people who believe that when families lose everything, they deserve shelter, dignity and hope — and that we must be ready to respond wherever the need arises.”
Murray, who was recognized for her inspiring and impactful leadership, received a brass compass to mark her 10-year anniversary at the helm of ShelterBox USA.
Under Murray’s stewardship, ShelterBox has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, including in 2025 for responding in the world’s worst conflict zones.
To learn more about ShelterBox USA or to support its work, visit www.shelterboxusa.org.