Because of COVID-19, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s (TBCF) spring event was cancelled, as was its fall signature fundraising event, the Gold Ribbon Luncheon. This left a significant budget shortfall for the organization, which has been operating on the Central Coast since 2002.

TBCF hopes to recoup some of these losses at its upcoming Paella Picnic event, noon-3 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Village Properties’ parking lot and outdoor area, at its downtown location.

In lieu of the regular spring fundraiser, a committee of supporters came together to create the Paella Picnic to support both TBCF’s mission and local small businesses. TBCF is working on the Paella Picnic with SB Paella Catering.

“The event is like a pick-up party you might attend through one of our local wineries’ wine clubs,” explained Kirsten Stuart, TBCF’s development and communications director. “You’ll drive in, park, pick up a beautiful bag filled with paella for four, wine, dessert and a gift, then take it home to enjoy in your backyard with friends, or maybe even in the park.”

The pick-up event will also feature an opportunity drawing, a wine pull, and a giving tree to raise funds for local families who are recipients of TBCF’s financial, emotional and educational support.

The Opportunity Drawing will feature three packages:

1. Three SONOS speakers.

2. A fashion spree including a Burberry bag, a necklace and a champagne shopping experience at Giuliana Montecito.

3. A staycation package, which includes a paella dinner for 10 from SB Paella Catering, along with a variety of other local excursions and experiences. Donations for the opportunity drawing are available on the TBCF website www.TeddyBearCancerFoundation.org/events or by calling the office at 805-962-7466.

To pre-order paella, contact Kirsten Stuart at Kirsten@TeddyBearCancerFoundation.org, or online at www.TeddyBearCancerFoundation.org/events.

All proceeds from the Paella Picnic will support local families facing the financial and emotional burden of a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

“Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is the only local organization to provide financial, educational and emotional support to families battling pediatric cancer in the Tri-Counties,” said Eryn Shugart, interim executive director. “We provide a variety of support programs to families of youth up to age 21.

“Only through the generosity of our incredible community can we continue to support the growing needs of the families we serve.”

In 2019, TBCF served a record 851 individuals through its three core programs: Financial Stability, Emotional Support, and Educational Advocacy.

Through the Financial Stability program, TBCF has thus far provided 26 families additional financial support to help them stay financially afloat during the shelter-in-place orders, while continuing to provide direct financial assistance, a relapse fund, and a funeral fund for families in need.

As TBCF continues to grow in scope and reach, so does its need to expand its support base. “Every year some of our local children are told they have cancer, and every year Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation steps in to help during the excruciating initial months after diagnosis, during treatment and after recovery,” Shugart said.

The Paella Picnic is led by co-chairs Maria Wilson, Adriana Mezic and Sheela Hunt, along with committee members Carolyn Shepard Baham, Nina Johnson, Terre Lapman, Gary Lapman, Maria Long, Mandana Mir and Tara Zanecki.

Asked about her involvement with TBCF, Mezic said, “I support and connect with TBCF on a very personal level because pediatric cancer diagnosis affects the entire family and we consider ourselves an extended family support system.”

With regards to her involvement with TBCF as co-chair and board member, Hunt said, “I support Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation because children battling cancer should always have the comfort of a parent by their side.”

“You never know how important the impact of Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is until you meet some of the families, hear their stories and see the appreciation in their faces,” Wilson said. “The money we are raising from this event will allow these parents to focus on their child in need, so they can be there for that child.”

The event is supported by Visionary sponsors Ginni Dreier and anonymous; Advocate Sponsor M. Barry Semler & Family, Santa Barbara Investment Company; and Healer Sponsors Mark and Sheela Hunt/Village Properties, Terre and Gary Lapman, AIMdyn, Inc., Adriana and Igor Mezic, Nathan Rogers of Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP, Peter Trent of Paragon Mortgage Group, Monte and Maria Wilson, Dr. Julia Delgado, J. Paul Gignac, and Jim Crook/Milpas Motors, Village Properties, and a second anonymous donor.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation advocates for families living in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties that have a child with cancer by providing financial, educational, and emotional support.