CADA’s 15th Annual Mentor Appreciation Lunch

The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) held its 15th Annual Gratitude Luncheon on Thursday, March 12, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event serves to thank those who contribute funds and volunteer their time in the CADA mentorship program, while also supporting fundraising efforts following the program and luncheon.

Upon arrival, I met CADA Mentor Program Director Lisa Gosdschan at the check-in desk. Despite a misplaced RSVP, she graciously and efficiently arranged seating. With a smile, she said, “This is a Gratitude Luncheon, and we are thankful that you are here to report on it.”

From there, I connected with one of our town’s most admired community leaders, Janet Garufis, president and CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust, attending with her team: Roland Barrio, Ambia Clark, and Dana Mancini. As always, Garufis was gracious, and her continued support of local charities deserves its own round of gratitude (#BigLove to you, Janet!). Also present was the renowned Anne Smith Towbes, founder of the CADA Mentor Program luncheon.

Circling the room, it was easy to spot longtime supporters of CADA, without whom the organization could not operate, including Patty and Bob Bryant; this year’s top sponsor, Melody Taft; and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, whose generosity to Santa Barbara County charities is unmatched. Representing the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians was Chris Stevenson from the Behavioral Health Department at the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic and leader of the Circle of Hope program, along with his team.

Also in attendance were Demetrio Espinosa, Tanya Rastelli, Katie Cioth, Eve Kaufman, and Bella Lyons of Brophy Bros.; Stanley Baratta, senior development director of the Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center; Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools; First District SBC Supervisor Roy Lee; Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rouse; Santa Barbara City Council members Oscar Gutierrez and Eric Friedman; Noel Hubbard for Representative Salud Carbajal; a representative for Senator Monique Limón; and Ethan Bertrand for Assemblymember Gregg Hart.

Opening remarks were delivered by Garufis and Bob Fuladi, CADA’s executive director, who thanked attendees, sponsors, and the CADA board and staff. Gosdschan also spoke, offering an overview of the Mentor Program.

The luncheon keynote speaker was Rod Lathim, introduced by Towbes as “a Santa Barbara native whose life and work reflect the power of creativity and human connection. Rod is an author and playwright, a theater, concert, and documentary film director and producer, and a visual artist known for his neon sculptures.” Lathim spoke about his work in the arts, his volunteer efforts, and the transformative impact of mentorship, noting: “Supporting and nurturing human beings – this organization does it really well. I see you, honor you, and thank you for all you have done for this community. I believe at our core we all have a divine child waiting to play and make our mark on the world, to be seen and to tell our story. Light and love.”

He was followed by Mentor of the Year awardee Joseph M. Lanza, retired from McGowan Guntermann (now Prosperity Partners). His introduction included a video performance featuring Lanza and his mentee, Liandro, who have participated in the CADA Mentorship Program together for four and a half years. They share activities such as singing, attending car shows, fishing, and spending time together. It was humorously noted that Lanza offers dating advice – though Liandro could not confirm its success. Lanza remarked, “There are others who deserve this award more than I do. It’s great to get an award for having fun,” and credited Gosdschan for her leadership in the mentor program.