Blues
on the Bayou Benefiting the
Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Rocks
It
was yet another amazing success for the Santa Barbara Rescue
Mission 15th Blues on the Bayou, held on the grounds of Dos
Pueblos Ranch, owned by Henry & Dundie Schulte in Goleta,
California. Guests were greeted by event hosts and live music
by Ron McCarley as they entered the beautiful grounds of the
historic estate.
Silent Auction Action
The
renowned SBRM auction offered trips, dinner certificates, wine,
jewelry, art, tickets to special events, a milieu of divine
gift baskets and much more. Guests enjoyed wine and beverages
as they perused the large collection of auction items, and chatted
with friends. SBRM President Rolf Geyling was warmly welcoming
guests and making introductions. "This is an organization
I wish to support, and I am very impressed with the work they
are doing," said Jerry Jordano, co-owner of Central Coast
Home Health.
Rolf Geyling and Gerd Jordano welcome guest Jerry Jordano
Silvio
Di Loreto, Santa Barbara real estate mogul, was honored wit
the Leni Fe Bland Award for the important role he played in
the history of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, and for his
help securing the real estate where the facility now resides
on Yanonali Street. Introduction Honoree Gerd Jordano shared
her own stories on first meeting Silvio in the real estate business
in Montecito, and presented Silvio Di Loreto with the 2016 Leni
Fe Bland Award.
Silvio Di Loreto, Leni Fe Bland Award Recipient
Dianne
Davis, Decorations Chair, again presented a picture perfect
luncheon & awards garden setting, where a beautiful parade
of blue umbrellas by the auxiliary members was a highlight.
The blue theme was everywhere and so tastefully done. Each year
Dianne and her team design a colorful theme for the dinner that
is awesome, and transform the front lawn of the 1920s mansion
to a dream venue.
Event Beverages
The
funds raised from this event make it possible for the Mission
to offer a successful 12-month residential recovery program,
as well as provide for homeless guests. Last year the Bayou
event raised over $400,000 to assist people seeking recovery
from drug and alcohol addiction. The Mission has helped over
679 people achieve recovery in the last 19 years. Rolf Geyling,
the Rescue Mission President, said "While only 21% of those
completing treatment programs nationally maintain their sobriety
beyond five years, we are proud that 51% of our graduates remain
in recovery over this same time period." Special thanks
to program graduate and keynote speaker Ian Bond for his inspiring
share on the wonders of the SBRM program.
Speaker Ian Bond with SBRM Staff L.B. Chandler,
Rebecca Weber and Jill Dixon
Caterer
Lorraine Lim served a family style Louisiana inspired chicken
dinner with vegetables and Cajun rice, green salad, cornbread
and pecan pie that was simply outstanding. A variety of beverages
were served to enjoy with lunch including Vogelzand wine, assorted
waters, soda, Stella Artois and Bud Light beer. The tables and
flower designs, all in shades of blue, were picture perfect
thanks to the 65 member SBRM Woman's Auxiliary who planned and
presented the 15th Annual Blues on the Bayou. I was thrilled
to take home a gift certificate for movie tickets donated by
the 2017 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
About
Santa Barbara Rescue Mission:
Established in 1965, this 501(c)(3) organizations 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 overnight accommodations
to homeless guests 365 days of the year. 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 received no
government funding. For additional information or to make a
donation please visit: www.sbrm.org.
By Bonnie Carroll
About Bonnie Carroll
Bonnie Carroll has been a food/travel/lifestyle writer since
1983. She is the founder & publisher of Bonnie Carroll's
Life Bites News - www.lifebitesnews.com,
does travel and food reporting on KZSB1290 radio, and contributes
to a variety of national and international travel/lifestyle
publications. Her first children's book C.C. Charles was published
in 2002 and she is currently working on a second book. Contact
her at Contact her at writebc@aol.com.
