A Dash of Holiday Cheer and Unity

Written by Maria McCall

Montecito Bank & Trust’s MClub gathered in the Kenny Loggins Community Room at Unity Shoppe for an uplifting afternoon to learn about one of Santa Barbara’s most cherished charities. Executive Director and CEO Angela Miller-Bevan delivered an informative presentation on the organization’s fascinating history, and how today this community cornerstone serves more than 52,000 residents each year with groceries, clothing, job training, and essential support.

Unity Shoppe’s roots reach back to 1917, when civic leader Pearl Chase founded the Council of Christmas Cheer to support mothers whose husbands were serving in World War I. Decades later, in 1972, Barbara Tellefson joined Pearl Chase and pledged to carry the mission forward.

Tellefson’s dedication led to the first of a series of permanent buildings in downtown. It’s transformation to Unity Shoppe in 1987 was energized by entertainer Kenny Loggins and KEYT’s annual telethon. Tom Reed signed on in 2002 for 20 years to help Barbara Tellefson grow the organization into a sustainable year-round charity, providing not only food, clothing and toys, but also job training, school supplies, disaster relief, and special gifts for seniors. Tellefson’s insistence on preserving every client’s dignity remains the heart of the organization today.

Angela Miller-Bevan continues the legacy and works with stars Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Duane Henry, Jeff Bridges, and country singer Brad Paisley who are all devoted to the mission. In 2012, Brad Paisley and his family volunteered at Unity Shoppe while visiting Santa Barbara and were so taken by how the mission was executed, they committed the next few years to replicating the model in their hometown of Nashville, calling it The Store.

Guests included Karen Poythress, Monica Cruz, Anne Luther, Keith Moore, Brenda Blalock, Barbara Burger, Judith Green, Marian Jean, Diane Galvan, Robert Luria, Christine Holland, and Dirk Brandts.

Honoring Chris Toomey at the Mistletoe Ball

Catholic Charities’ 33rd Annual Mistletoe Ball, held at Birnam Wood, paid warm tribute to honoree Chris Toomey. Bishop Slawomir Szkredka delivered the invocation and special message from Pope Leo XIV. Martin Bell emceed with his signature charm, opening the program by introducing Irish-born Rev. Maurice O’Mahony with a playful limerick. Father O’Mahony reflected on Toomey’s decades of generosity, including the creation of the Adopt-a-Student program 25 years ago at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Chris Toomey expressed heartfelt thanks to clergy, volunteers, and friends, honoring the many community leaders like Fr. Virgil Cordano and Annette Carrel who shaped the organization’s legacy. He praised the staff as its “unsung heroes.” Yolanda Vasquez, Regional Director, spoke movingly about Catholic Charities’ mission, reminding guests that their presence “is an act of love.”

Event chair Barbara Kummer thanked attendees and offered the elegant, Christmas-themed Hogue & Co. centerpieces as drawing prizes. For the past three years, our dear friend Diane Brighton – a devoted volunteer and generous contributor – has graciously hosted us at her table, making the evening an especially meaningful tradition.

Guests included: Diane Brighton, David and Louise Borgatello, Janet McCann, Jocelyn and William Meeker, Mara Abboud, Patrick Beach, Robert Winston, Anne Towbes, John and Mary Beth Tynan, Peter Hilf, Tish Gainey, and Barbara Kummer.