TBCF’s Golden Gala Glows with Purpose

By Richard Mineards and Maria McCall   |   October 7, 2025
Event organizers Adriana Mezic, Brittany Avila Wazny, and Angela Speier (photo by Maria McCall)
Andrew Firestone charms and delights the TBCF crowd (photo by Maria McCall)

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Golden Gala lit up the Tuscan Hills Estate with shimmering style and heartfelt generosity. Guests gathered in gold to celebrate the nonprofit’s mission of supporting families facing pediatric cancer.

Presenting Sponsor Earl Minnis delivered a heartfelt message on the power of giving. Dr. Jordan Witt was honored with the Humanitarian Award, and Andrew Firestone, with help from his young son Shane, energized the crowd during a spirited live auction and paddle raise.

The evening’s highlight: Executive Director Brittany Avila Wazny announced a new Pediatric Cancer Support Center near Cottage Hospital—a long-awaited haven for families navigating childhood cancer.

Serving Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties, the foundation continues to provide critical financial, emotional, and educational support when families need it most.

Notable attendees included Andrew Miller, Janet Garufis, Monte and Maria Wilson, Lacy Taylor, Andrew Arrastia, and Peter and Kathryn Martin.

Carlos and Angela Sanchez, Kathryn Martin, Kevin Gleason, Peter Martin, and Roy Lee (photo by Maria McCall)

Sightings

Richard Mineards continuing to recover… Priscilla tending to a recovering Richard… Sir Paul McCartney in Santa Barbara (we are still confirming these details)… Lana Del Rey singing at an Institution. 

Pip! Pip!  

 

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