Just for Funds

Philanthropist Sara Miller McCune was front and center when CAMA – the Community Arts Music Association – threw its centennial gala at the Biltmore, with 110 guests raising around $210,000 for the organization that brings many of the world’s most famous orchestras and performers to our Eden by the Beach.

Sara, who has donated millions of dollars over the years to worthy local institutions, is an Honorary Fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford, and in recognition of that association was presented with an antique print of the historic 17th-century college and an inscribed crystal bowl by Judith Hopkinson, a past president and the fête’s chair.

Sara, who is honorary chair of the centennial celebration along with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, had just returned after an eight-day visit to London, attending two performances at the Globe Theatre, which she has also supported handsomely.

Centennial celebration chair Deborah Bertling, who described Sara, who served on CAMA’s board for five years until 2014, as “the cultural backbone of Santa Barbara,” and board president Robert Montgomery also spoke at the dinner after a reception in the courtyard with musicians from Westmont College and Kaley Link playing piano.

Among the multitudinous musical mavens were Bridget Colleary, Raye Haskell Melville, Robert and Christine Emmons, Anne Towbes, Frank McGinity, Harry and Judi Weisbart, Christopher Lancashire and Catherine Gee, Lynn Kirst, Mahri Kerley, Michael and Kimberly Hayes, Joanne Holderman, Ed and Sue Birch, Nancy Bell Coe, Bill Burke, Celesta Billeci, Jerry and Helene Beaver, Peter Bertling, Valerie Montgomery, Robert and Alex Nourse, and Peter and Cheryl Ziegler.