SB Cottage Hospital Foundation’s 21st Annual Tiara Ball
The Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation held its 21st Annual Tiara Ball, traditionally known as the party of the year, at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort on Saturday, March 9.
The Black-tie event saw five-star elegance in its 450 guests, with women in flowing silks and taffeta gowns, brilliant tiaras, Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks; and the gents in designer suits, tuxes and a select few wearing tiaras as well. I couldn’t help but wonder with all the runway couture that the seamless warmth among the guests was by far the diamond of the evening.
Top shelf champagne, wines by Fred Brander/The Brander Vineyard and hors d’oeuvres were afloat during the reception, along with a red carpet for formal photographs of the guests. At 7 pm, the Cottage Health surgical residents posed for their annual photograph on the ballroom stairs. Guests were called to the ballroom which was artfully decorated with soft centerpiece lights surrounded by flowers and name placards. As always, the venue’s impeccably delicious menu and table service did not disappoint.
Event co-chairs Heather Hambleton and Lisa Iscovich were supported by their committee volunteers Gina Andrews, Katy Bazylewicz, Mari McAlister, Sue Neuman, Alex Nourse, Cathy Quijano, Magda Stayton, Esther Takacs, Betsy Turner, Mary Werft,and Margaret Wilkinson.
Board Chair Steve Zola welcomed the guests and thanked everyone for their support of Cottage Health and announced, for the first time in the organization’s history, the event’s Diamond Sponsors Ben and Naomi Bollag. In addition, he thanked Tiara Ball sponsors Christine and Reece Duca. Zola acknowledged the co-chairs, Cottage Health physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers, Board Members, his wife Belinda, and all significant others. A round of applause went to Linda Yawitz – aka “Mama Bear” of the surgical residents – who sponsors their tickets annually.
Zola talked about the power of art to heal and transform our environment, and the art displayed at Cottage Health. Zola brought attention to this year’s event design imagery from a painting by acclaimed local artist, Colette Cosentino. Her painting titled, Life, a Work in Progress, was featured in decor elements, the invitation and program. Also noted was event planner Gina Andrews of Bon Fortune Events.
In lieu of President/CEO Ron Werft who was not able to attend, Executive VP/COO Lisa Moore talked about the many awards the Cottage Health system has received, from its hospitals in Santa Barbara and Goleta, to the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital. She presented its specialties in rehab, maternity, child health, Neuroscience Institute, Heart & Vascular Center, Center for Advanced Imaging and Center for Orthopedics. She was followed by a brief video about a patient who had received superior stroke care and was fully recovered. He was present and received applause along with his caregivers.
Noted attendees were Cottage Health Board of Directors Chair Steven C. Zola, Vice Chair Ginger Salazar, Vice Chair Eric Seale, Secretary Richard S. Ponce, Thomas J. Cusack, Susan Christol-Deacon, Pamela B. Gann, Roberta L. Griffin, Robin Malone, Steve Ortiz, Ernesto Paredes, Gamble T. Parks, Wesley G. Schooler, Mark P. Scott, Bhupi Singh and Yulun Wang.
Featured guests were Ben and Naomi Bollag, Andrew Brown andLisa Moore, Jerry and Geraldine Bidwell, Ronna Hitchcock Hoffman, Sandy Seale, Katina Zaninovich, Mari and Patrick McAlister, Meghan and Robert Stoll, Jr.; representatives from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and from SB City College was Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas and Executive Director of Public Affairs & Communications Jordan Killebrew.
The evening finale was dancing to the live 10-piece orchestra. Proceeds from the Tiara Ball help SBCH to deliver superior emergency, trauma, and critical care for our region.
