A Poett’s Feast

“I think that for me, being able to see this community come together, especially in such a historic place in Santa Barbara, it could not be more beautiful here,” said Elizabeth Poett at the Community Environmental Council’s Green Gala at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. “There is so much room for hope, and with this great community coming together, it’s a wonderful thing to see.”

Elizabeth, host of Ranch to Table on Magnolia Network, author of The Ranch Table, and a seventh-generation cattle rancher at Rancho San Julian, perfectly fit the evening’s “Rooted in Hope” theme.

CEC’s Sigrid Wright was thrilled she said yes. “She is very authentic, very approachable, very down to earth,” Sigrid said. “She’s so grounded to the land and to the food… She’s got dirt in her boots. She’s real. That’s what it’s all about.” 

Elizabeth pushed back her departure for Italy to attend and speak at the gala, leaving the next morning to lead a culinary tour through Tuscany’s Maremma region – Italian cowboy country – with traditional mounted Butteri, natural wines, and local chefs.

Back in Santa Barbara, the evening paired climate action with pleasure: a climate-smart dinner shaped by Elizabeth, and the new Green Gala Market, where makers, artisans and food-and-beverage partners made the silent auction more social.

Green Gala co-chairs Jennifer Drucker and Jessica McLernon led the celebration, with committee members Clara Cadwell, Colette Carlsson, Brook Eiler, Natalie Greenside, Kerrilee Gore, Lily Hahn Shining, and Stephanie Theimer. The Patricia Bragg Foundation was a top sponsor, while The Little One Foundation matched the first $15,000 of the paddle raise dollar for dollar.

Off to Tuscany, Elizabeth spent one last evening with her boots – dirt and all – planted in Santa Barbara, rooted in hope.