Join The Marjorie Luke Theatre for the Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace on April 12—an inspiring afternoon of sustainability, film, and community. (The Marjorie Luke Theatre photo)

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, Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace, Noozhawk spoke with Kathy Kelley, Development Director, at The Marjorie Luke Theatre to learn more about their event.

The Marjorie Luke Theatre

Question: What is the name and date of your event?

Answer: Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace Sunday, April 12, 2026

Q: What is the mission, goal, and/or theme of this occasion?

A: The Marjorie Luke Theatre proudly launches its 2026 season with the Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2:30 PM, presented in partnership with Santa Barbara Botanic Garden as part of the Theatre’s popular Green Film Series.

This special season kick-off event brings together film, community, and environmental education in an engaging afternoon designed to inspire sustainable living and local action.

Q: Have you held this event before?

A: This is year #3 of The Luke’s Green Film Series, but this is the first time we have held this event, and been in partnership with Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Q: Tell us some more details about your celebration?

A: The event will begin with a Community Marketplace, featuring eco-friendly businesses and nonprofit organizations offering practical resources and solutions for creating more sustainable landscapes. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with local experts and organizations working to create healthier local environments.

Following the Marketplace, guests will enjoy “four short films” produced by Santa Barbara Botanic Garden highlighting native plant landscape transformations at Elings Park, biodiversity, climate resilience, and community stewardship. The four-part series explores the vital role of native plants in promoting biodiversity, and how collective efforts are key to creating change in our communities.

Viewers gain insight into the science behind native plant conservation, including experimental approaches to building climate resilience, invasive plant control, and the cultivation of native plant species essential for maintaining local biodiversity.

After the screenings, former Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider will moderate an informative panel discussion with local environmental experts. The discussion will explore how individuals and communities can make meaningful changes through sustainable landscaping practices and ecological awareness.

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: If you have a eco-friendly business, or are a non-profit who would like to showcase your good work, join us as an exhibitor. Contact kathykelley@luketheatre.org for more details.

For tickets visit luketheatre.org

Q: Is this a fundraising affair? If so, how will the funds raised help your organization?

A: No, this is part of our Green Film Series.

Q: Who is sponsoring your event, and why is their support important?

A: Our Green Film Series Sponsors are The Manitou Fund, The Zegar Family Foundation , The Natalie Orfalea Foundation, The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and The Sierra Club.

Q: Do you work with an Event Planner? If not, who are the key people who make it all happen?

A: No, the Green Film Series is produced by Kathy Kelley and the staff of The Luke and SBBG.

Q: Does your organization have any other upcoming events this year?

A: Yes, We will have three more Green Film events this year.

Q: What are you planning as a post-event follow up?

A: After the screenings, former Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider will moderate an informative panel discussion with local environmental experts. The discussion will explore how individuals and communities can make meaningful changes through sustainable landscaping practices and ecological awareness.

To learn more about The Marjorie Luke Theatre’s, Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace 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.