Storyteller Children’s Center: Totally Awesome ‘80s Gala to Honor Storyteller’s 35th Anniversary
The year was 1988. Milli Vanilli was lip-syncing their way to the top of the Billboard Charts, Flo Jo claimed three gold medals at the Seoul Summer Olympics, and a seed that would become Storyteller Children’s Center was starting to take root.
Thirty-five years ago, Storyteller began as a roped-off section in the Transition House parking lot where children engaged in art projects, games, and jump rope. Today, the organization sets the standard for trauma-informed early childhood education with three campuses in Santa Barbara, including classrooms added this year at Transition House, where it all began.
To commemorate this meaningful milestone, a totally tubular event committee – helmed by Catherine Stoll and Kelly Finefrock – is throwing it back to the ‘80s with a celebratory gala at the Hilton Beachfront Resort on Friday, October 6.
“We invite the community to join us for a retro-inspired evening of warm breezes, tropical drinks, and dancing under the stars to ‘80s hits performed live by The Replicas,” said Finefrock. “Leave your legwarmers at home because this elegant night will require all the glitter and glam!”
The Storyteller soirée will honor longtime supporter Tiffany Foster, who has served as Board President, spearheaded countless galas, and today chairs the Advisory Board. A lively auction will be emceed by Andrew Firestone, who promises his famous high kicks for big bids.
“This gala will be all the more ‘radical’ because of the children at the heart of it,” added Stoll. “The support we receive that night will provide life-changing services for hundreds of children facing adverse challenges in our community. There’s no better reason to gather, celebrate, and give.”
In addition to year-round educational programs, Storyteller Children’s Center provides behavioral health support, informed trauma therapy, nutritious meals, medical and dental screenings, and family support services. The primary objective of the organization is to foster social-emotional resiliency and school readiness with toddlers and preschoolers, while breaking the cycle of poverty for their families.
To participate in the gala or to support Storyteller Children’s Center, go to Storytellercenter.org or contact Haunna Tomas at haunna@storytellercenter.org.
