Since our last post, we've been away planning one of the LARGEST fund raisers Santa Barbara has seen. With just shy of 700 guests, the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort held a room full of supporters and prodigies of Michael Towbes.
The evening encompassed a Dinner Theatre feel with 6 acts of performances, including Eugene Chan - baritone, Elizabeth Roe - pianist, The State Street Ballet, The Choral Society, The Conservatory Kids, a tribute to Mr. Towbes by Erin Graffey and some surprise guests and a finale of dancing with the Georgetown Band.
Debbie Davison seamlessly emceed the evening while Santa Barbara's own John Palminteri and Andrew Firestone successfully auctioned around $100,000 in auction monies (Mr. Towbes is matching all proceeds).
It was three months in the making and the evening was a huge Success. Events of Santa Barbara could not have done it without the support of a great cast of team members:
Tracy Chegwin - Lazaro Design for invitations, all graphic printing
LBPS for a flawless show of lighting and audio
Camilla Svensson Burns for amazing and time-captured design
Classic Party Rentals for the dance floor
BBJ Linens for the art deco linens
Fess Parker Doubletree for the catering, food and excellent service
Riley Towne for taping a vidoe (to follow)
and the very gifted and super creative Tim and Cheryl Halberg for capturing the essence of the evening into this slide show.
