The Community Environmental Council (CEC) celebrated 40 years of environmental leadership in Santa Barbara at their spectacular “Eco-Chic” Green Gala anniversary event. The outdoor Plaza del Sol at Fess Parker’s Double-Tree Resort was magically transformed into a tree-filled enchanted Celtic forest, replete with wood nymphs, fairies, and satyrs–it was truly a spectacular evening.

The TEDDY BEAR CANCER FOUNDATION, a Santa Barbara based foundation dedicated to providing support for Central Coast families with children suffering from cancer, hosted its 5th Annual Fall Luncheon at the stunning Montecito mansion of Dan & Debbie Kass. The event once again brought together hundreds of local supporters of the Teddy Bear Foundation.

This year the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation honored Dr. Daniel Greenfield, Medical Director Pediatric/Hematology Program, Cottage Children’s Hospital, for his outstanding commitment to the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and the Santa Barbara Community. “Dr. Greenfield,”stated TBCF Executive Director Marni Rozet, “whose tireless efforts and unwavering support for TBCF and the Santa Barbara community, truly deserves to be honored.”

Dennis Miller, Emmy Award-winning comedian and television and radio personality, graciously served as Master of Ceremonies. Ann Gursey, a successful real estate developer and local radio and television personality who’s career credits include co-hosting ABC’s “The Morning Show” with Regis Philbin, donated her time and talents as the auctioneer.

The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission hit a home run with their ninth annual “Back To The Bayou” held at the Rancho Dos Pueblos estate.  Guests strolled the field, selected gifts from Santa Barbara’s finest silent auction boutique, and enjoyed the foot-tapping music provided by the Dixie Daddies.  Also, a scrumptious southern BBQ was provided by Lorraine Lim Catering. The honoree this year was Bill Cirone, County Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Cirone is a committed partner in the work of recovery through his service on the board of the Hazelden Foundation, Santa Barbara Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and Santa Barbara Fighting Back Task Force.

The last twelve years. Rolf Geyling, the Rescue Mission President, said “The dedicated work of our staff and volunteer teams in helping the homeless and addicted in our community through the recovery process has life-or-death consequences and we are extremely grateful for the generosity of many in our community that make it possible.”

Established in 1965, this 501(c)(3) organization brings physical, emotional, educational and spiritual
resources to individuals and families in need.  It is the only organization between Oxnard and Santa Maria that provides hot meals and accommodations to homeless guests 365 days of the year.  It operates the longest and largest drug and alcohol treatment program on California’s Central Coast.  The Rescue Mission offers men’s and women’s 12-month residential recovery, outpatient treatment, family support, relapse prevention, men’s sober living, academic instruction and job skills training.  Its residential drug and alcohol program has won regional and national recognition for its extraordinary effectiveness.  The Mission receives no government funding.

Welcome to the Scene&Heard website! We will be updating new events and photos weekly for your enjoyment. Feel free to browse through our site and check out all we have to offer. We have taken the summer season to create new and improved event coverage. You may already know that Scene&Heard magazine was founded to promote and cover charitable giving and social events. We are now promoting and covering those events online as well as with print media…Stay Tuned! – Gloria and the S&H family

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Dee dee Barret was celebrated by all of her friends with an all pink extravaganza at her stunning hope ranch estate. The elegant evening was filled with drinks, conversation and a lot of love and affection as Dee Dee’s friends showered her with gifts. Ms. Barret is well known for her charitable giving to the many non-profit organizations throughout Santa Barbara.Thank you for your charitable work, Dee Dee, and once again happy birthday!

It was a beautiful Sunday at the Montecito estate of Hal and Mary Coffin where The Ensemble Theatre celebrated their second annual Italian Country Picnic with an elegantly casual luncheon. The afternoon was filled with live entertainment as well as exciting live and silent auctions. Guests enjoyed glasses of wine generously provided by Bridlewood Winery.

As the room filled with eager fans, young and old, wearing LAKER jerseys, the room also filled with anticipation. Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara rattled the entire neighborhood when welcoming LAKER super star shooting guard Kobe Bryant. Upon arrival Kobe met briefly with local media for an interview and was quoted “ I love Santa Barbara – it reminds me of the quiet, little, family oriented towns in Italy where I grew up.” Making sure to not keep the crowd waiting any longer Mr. Bryant entered to a roaring “M.V.P” chant by the ecstatic fans as he made his way to his seat. After the crowd calmed, the casually dressed super star was finally seated. As the featured speaker began the crowd was served a delicious salad followed by a main course. Following the speaker and delightful meal Kobe was invited out back for pictures and autographs with the kids. After graciously signing almost everything put in his face, Kobe and his entourage loaded up in the two Cadillac Escalades they arrived in and headed out. The laughs and the smiles of the children are what made the event so memorable for the Scene&Heard staff. Also 100% of the proceeds from the exciting luncheon went to benefit the Kobe Bryant Family Foundation and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.

CASA stopped by The Polo Fields out at Montecito to celebrate. These are the photos that we came up with. Hope that you enjoy.

The theme for 2010 was “Carnival”.  The Summer Solstice Parade features more than 1,000 parade participants, complete with extravagant floats, whimsical costumes and creatively choreographed dancing ensembles. From its beginnings as a small parade featuring street artists, the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration is now the premier Santa Barbara County arts event, drawing crowds of over 100,000 spectators from around the world.

At high Noon, on a Saturday near the longest day of the year, creative floats, fascinating costumes, brilliant masks begin their journey from Cota Street up State Street to Micheltorena, transforming downtown Santa Barbara into a vibrant splash of color, music and dance. People-powered floats reignite the creative spirit of Santa Barbara. Commercial elements, such as written words, advertisements, live animals, or motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs) are excluded from the Parade, as is nudity.

The parade begins to arrive in Alameda Park a little past 1 PM, with final entry usually appearing after 2 PM.  The Alameda Park Festival continues the celebration with live music by local and international artists; delicious foods and beverages from local restaurants, caterers and non-profit groups; an arts and crafts boutique with more than 75 artisans and craftsmen; a large “drum circle” formed by parade participants and anyone who cares to join in the beat. The wonderful floats from the parade are on display. A special children’s area featured a stage with storytellers, musicians, drama, and mimes.

The floats, costumes and masks in the parade are made by community members at the Solstice Workshop. Anyone can participate in the creation of the floats, masks and costumes by coming to the Workshop, where our paid staff of artisans, technical staff, costumers and maskmakers help to make your creative ideas come alive. Solstice Workshop participants have use of a variety of materials as well as the collective, creative spirit of working together in this magical place.

The Bollag annual summer bash was held at the stunning home of Tracy and Michael Bollag. The party was a delight once again this year’s guests were treated to a kids paradise setting that included, water slides, catered food, ice cream, drinks and a great start of the summer season. Not to mention the stunning resort-like pool area featured below.