Casa del Herrero Centennial Gala

This week’s Society Editis bringing you the exclusive report on the Centennial Gala of Casa del Herrero, held on Saturday, September 6. As the only press person requested by the organization to cover the event, here are the illustrious details!

I arrived early to meet with the Casa del Herrero (the Casa) Board of Trustees and their event committee for photo ops outside in the front courtyard. Volunteers and docents were adding finishing touches to the décor details. Guests parked at El Montecito Church and were properly escorted to the Casa via black limo vans. Dressing for the black-tie gala for women was an event in itself, as pairing a gown with flats is a permitted foray to sport designer sneakers from Paris, which is quite the “thing” now. Unless, of course, one is a slim model height for designer strappy flat sandals. 

The reception in the fountain gardens yielded Jenavi Vineyard wines donated by its co-founder Jenna Jobst Reichental, who is on the gala committee. There were specialty cocktails, champagne, and Duo Catering’s bites served with cocktail napkins handprinted with various artwork from the Casa. The 10 artist-made birdhouses were displayed on individual pedestals for bidding, and Silhouettes by Candice made each guest or couple their personal silhouette cut from black paper sealed on white craft paper. As guests conversed, background music from a century ago played. From there, we were escorted to the backyard area to be seated for dining, presentations, and dancing. A live band on the back porch of the historic house played a mix of tunes from pop to jazz standards. Program speakers were matched with each course of the elegant dinner, set with china and gold tableware.

Up first was the Casa’s Executive Director and Head of Curation Natalie Sanderson. She welcomed everyone and thanked them for their support of the Casa’s mission to preserve, protect, and continue for another 100 years. Sanderson lauded her board of trustees and volunteers. She presented awards to staff members for their 30-plus years of service as follows, Chief Gardener and Head of Facilities Jose Aguilar, the first docent Jane Defnet, Garden Expert and tour leader Duke McPherson, and floral designer Diane Sassen.

Speaking next were descendants of the family who owned the Casa. They were Albert P. Hinckley Jr. and Katherine Pharibe Wise, grandson and granddaughter of Carrie and George Fox Steedman; and George Fox Steedman Hinckley Jr. and Annalisa Hinckley Savin,great-grandson and great-granddaughter of Carrie and George Fox Steedman. They spoke about the house, their memories, and why it is important to them to have donated and to fund the Casa to be open to the public to enjoy for centuries. Their comments drew much appreciation from guests. 

Just before dessert, we were treated to David Bolton, executive director and CEO of the California Missions Foundation, leading the Ask. He provided remarks about his organization implementing and administering the matching federal grant of $750,000 titled “Save America’s Treasures Grant” for the Casa to complete needed renovations, and thanked Board of Trustees member Mari McAlister whom he said is responsible for and instrumental in the grant. Casa del Herrero is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark since 2009. His emcee efforts drew approximately $110,500. 

To the surprise of everyone present, Pharibe Wise next took the microphone and read a letter to the Casa from the family members of the estate of George Steedman Bass (Bass passed in 2023), while holding back tears. She announced their donation of $1,829,000 to the Casa to continue its preservation. A standing ovation ensued.

The Casa not only met, it exceeded by over $1 million the $750,000 needed to obtain the matching Save America’s Treasures Grant. Elizabeth Esrey, whose table I was seated at for dinner, was still taking in the funding Bolton amassed and now this newly added donation. She exclaimed, “That is truly an act of selfless kindness and now we have to work really hard to honor the generosity of the family.” 

Indeed.

Centennial Gala co-chairs are Elizabeth Esrey, Marc Normand Gelinas, and Nathan Vonk; their committee members David Bolton, Mari McAlister, Jenna Jobst Reichental, Gonzalo Sarmiento, and Isabel Wendt; and the Honorary Chairs Donald H. Benson, Heather Biles, Laura Bridley, Karen Jones Clark, Joan Jackson, Susan Jackson, Charlie Knight, Travis Kranz, and Meghan Stoll. 

Casa del Herrero Board of Trustees are Elizabeth Esrey, president; Isabel Wendt, vice president; Marty McDermut, treasurer; Mari McAlister, secretary; Heather Biles (former board president); Susan Budinger; Marc Normand Gelinas; Miles Hartfeld; Albert P. Hinckley, Jr.; Kevin O’Toole; Annalisa Hinckley Savin; Nathan Vonk; Jami Voulgaris; Carolyn Williams; and Katherine Pharibe Wise.  

And that’s a wrap till next week! Do email me if you have society news or an experience we can do together! Xx JAC