Gratitude

12th Annual Gratitude Luncheon

Celebrating the Mentors in our Lives

A Benefit for CADA's Mentor Program

Wednesday, March 15, 2023
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Reagan Room

Become a Sponsor

Gratitude

We are so excited to be back together for the 12th Annual Gratitude Luncheon celebrating CADA's Mentor Program.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Reagan Room

Dr. Susan Salcido

The event — led by Chair Anne Smith Towbes — will feature keynote speaker Dr. Susan Salcido, one of the most esteemed education leaders in our community. As the Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools, Susan wholeheartedly believes in the life-changing impact of mentorships for children and young adults. Dr. Salcido just launched her inaugural Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Student Advisory Council, composed of 17 students from 10 different high schools in Santa Barbara County. Named Woman of the Year by the 19th Senate District and 37th Assembly District, and Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators, Dr. Salcido has been recognized in the county and state for her compassionate leadership and impact on education.

Please help us make this year's event the most successful ever on behalf of the young people whose bright futures depend on this life changing experience.

Become a Sponsor

Jane Santos Sweeney

Honoring Mentor
Jane Santos Sweeney

Penny Jenkins Mentor Champion Award

Jane Santos Sweeney has been a mentor for the past four years. She and her mentee came to CADA's Mentor Program in 2020 from Family Service Agency's former Big Brother's Big Sister Program. Jane is a retired elementary school teacher having taught in Santa Barbara local schools for over 25 years. She currently tutors for the Santa Ynez Band of Tribal Indians, is a Team Leader for Days for Girls International, and a Santa Barbara Mission Docent. With pride, she recently completed service as a 9 year Board Member of Family Service Agency.

Jane is passionate about education because of the opportunities and joy it brings to lifelong learners. Today, she and her 14 year old mentee, Kimberly, enjoy Santa Barbara's many opportunities for pleasure and learning including exploring local museums, neighborhood walks, sewing and making crafts. One summer was memorable with weekly visits to the Santa Barbara Library, and reading under the Courthouse arches.

The two have developed a bond and friendship for one another as mentor and mentee. One very gratifying reward for Jane as a mentor was having Kimberly tell her that their time together had prepared her for the future, and taught her how to navigate new experiences that she had not had before.

Mrs. Sweeney is a graduate of Cal Poly with a BS in Child Development and a Master's degree from Pepperdine University in Bilingual Education. She is married to Fred Sweeney, Architect, and they have two adult children, Pablo and Marisol, both college graduates.

Anne Smith Towbes

"Of the many wonderful community efforts I'm involved with, CADA's Mentor Program is one of the most dear to me."

Anne Smith Towbes
Founder & Event Chair

Sponsorship Opportunities

  • Golden Heart Sponsor $10,000 Includes two tables of ten
    Special event recognition
    Provides one year of mentoring for eight children
    ($8,500 tax-deductible contribution)     SOLD OUT
  • Generous Heart Sponsor $5,000 Includes one table of ten
    Special event recognition
    Provides one year of mentoring for four children
    ($4,250 tax-deductible contribution)     SOLD OUT
  • Caring Heart Sponsor $2,500 Includes one table of ten
    Special event recognition
    Provides one year of mentoring for two children
    ($1,750 tax-deductible contribution)     SOLD OUT
  • Kind Heart Sponsor $1,000 Includes seating for four
    Event recognition
    Provides special events for our mentees and their families
    ($700 tax-deductible contribution)     SOLD OUT
  • Individual Ticket $150 Includes seating for one
    ($75 tax-deductible contribution)     SOLD OUT
  • Table of 10 $1,500 Includes seating for ten
    ($750 tax-deductible contribution)     SOLD OUT
  • Make a Donation or Honor a Mentor in Your Life* Who was it that made a difference in your life? Honor your special mentor at our Gratitude Luncheon. Make a Donation

If you are interested in attending, contact Lisa
lgosdschan@cadasb.org or (805) 722-1321

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Golden Heart Sponsor

  • Kristin Kirby and Kevin Whelan in Memory of Bob Kirby
  • Elizabeth and Kenny Slaught

Generous Sponsor

  • Deckers Brand

Caring Heart Sponsor

  • Patty and Bob Bryant
  • Anne Smith Towbes

Kind Heart Sponsors

  • Cottage Health
  • Anne Fuchs
  • Stina Hans
  • Perri Harcourt
  • Montecito Bank and Trust
  • New House (Adam Burridge)
  • James Wolf

Table Sponsor

  • John Savrnoch
  • Jane Santos Sweeney