Shhhh… It’s a Surprise!

A lively crowd gathered at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum to celebrate Montecito resident Bob Gates’ surprise 80th birthday, planned to perfection by his wife, Mary Gates. Cleverly, Mary told Bob they were attending a Caribbean masquerade party for their friend Hiroko Benko – until he arrived to discover family and friends who had traveled from near and far.

Guests enjoyed Santa Barbara seafood – uni with caviar, ceviche, and ahi tuna bites – alongside tropical cocktails and live Caribbean steel drum music that sparked spontaneous dancing on the terrace. With help from SBMM’s Greg Gorga and Emily Duncan, Mary created an unforgettable evening.

The emotional centerpiece of the night was a heartwarming video tribute. Through touching vignettes, friends and family recounted Bob’s journey – from his childhood in Brooklyn to his deep love for boats and airplanes, and ultimately, to his pioneering role in the wind energy industry. Bob Gates’ name is synonymous with advocacy and innovation in launching the U.S. wind power movement and commercial large scale wind-fueled electricity power generation. The company Bob helped found was acquired by GE and has grown to become GE’s largest energy segment – a legacy that continues to grow.

The program ended on a high note with American Idol contestant Micaela McCall serenading the birthday honoree. 

The celebration continued through the weekend, with a surprise family luncheon at the Gates’ Montecito home on Sunday, followed by a sunset cruise aboard the Condor Express for all guests that evening.

Among those joining the festivities were Randy Swisher, Amir and Maggie Mikhail, Jim and Judith Lyons, John and Susan Lamb, Tom and Chris Frisina, and Dana and Andrea Newquist. 

Maria McCall,
Founder of Montecito Bank and Trust’s MClub