9th Annual MOXI@NIGHT & Belle Hahn’s Adieu to Her Philanthropy Journey

By Joanne A Calitri | October 6, 2026

MOXI@Night 2026 Event Committee (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Hello Loves!

Happy to be reporting just for you on the 9^th Annual MOXI@NIGHT celebration held on Saturday, September 25 at the museum.

Lily Hahn and Stewart Shining
(photo by Joanne A Calitri)

So much news! First is the public announcement by Belle Hahn on her decision to end her philanthropy career, and second is the new MOXI Director of Marketing and Communications, Karrmen Rodriguez, on board following her latest work at Pal 8 Media, Montecito.

I arrived and immediately met with MOXI President/CEO Robin Gose. We journeyed to the step’n’repeat to capture the event committee photos. I asked Gose about serving another three years on the Board of Directors for the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC). She replied, “Serving on the ASTC board gives me an opportunity to share what we’re learning at MOXI, help shape the strategic direction of the science museum field, and work alongside colleagues at ASTC to strengthen the role science museums play in their communities. I’m equally excited to bring fresh ideas back to Santa Barbara as we continue to grow and serve our community.”

Happy to connect with yours truly was none other than the elegant Lily Hahn Shining, who, alongside her sister Belle, was the event co-chair. Big hugs were all around. With these indelibly philanthropic sisters, who could resist their invitation to contribute generously to the MOXI? Their statement to attendees beckoned, “Welcome to an evening of possibility, purpose, and play. We’re grateful to share this evening with you and to be part of a community that believes every child deserves the chance to wonder, create, and enjoy a brighter future. Together, let’s Play It Forward.”

Supporting the Hahn sisters was their event committee: Kelly Almeroth, Jessie Bridges, Jamie Cervantes, Devyn Gehret, Robin Gose, Heather Hambleton, Austin Lampson, Jill Levinson, Cáitrín McKiernan, Susan McMillan, Robyn Parker, Cindy Robinson Mullen, Erin Sanchez, Gabrielle Semerjian, Kate Shrout, and Sophia Taylor.

With this year’s Studio 54 dress code, let’s admit it, we were all hoping to wear that vintage Halston silk gown the designer made for Studio 54 elite. Guests carried on nonetheless in sequined outfits and 6-inch platform sandals – let your imaginations roll with it! I opted for a gold silk cami and leopard print cigarette leg pants. (While pitching my editors to give me a fashion allowance!)

Noted attendees were Rob Smits the sommelier and director of wine at the Rosewood Miramar Beach representing the “Miramar Magic” auction item, and Travis Shrout its top winning bidder, Stewart Shining (husband to Lily Hahn Shining), emcee Andrew Firestone and his nephew Nick Firestone, Ashley McGowan, and MOXI board members Angela Krablin, Kelly Almeroth, Cameron Goodman, and Angie McGrath.

Robin Gose and Belle Hahn
(photo by Joanne A Calitri)

The formal program was held on the MOXI rooftop and backed by a fab live jazz band. Gose and Firestone provided the welcome remarks.

The keynote speakers were Belle and Lily Hahn, a top note being Belle’s publicly announcing this event as the finale of her philanthropy. Belle, “As many of you may know, this is my finale, I’m done with my career as a philanthropist. And some of my last funds were given to MOXI in honor of my sister [Lily]. Truly, when she asked if I wanted to chair, I told her the only chair I want is one to sit in [laughs]. I just need to process all these years of being a philanthropist and the magic of cross-pollination. So, like the Harvest Moon, things falling away can make room for what does. I’ve worked with many nonprofits in this community. MOXI was one where I was there from day one, with the shovel and the Wolfs, I was part of the ground here. In my finale it’s about giving access to the MOXI to all.”

The live auction and ask – led by Firestone – raised approximately $150,000. As we go to press the MOXI reports meeting its goal of $400,000.

Proceeds are earmarked for MOXI’s accessible programs that help opens doors to children, families, and educators on the central coast. The programs include free or reduced-cost admission, field trips, afterschool engineering, free admission for SB and Ventura County teachers, community outreach and summer camp scholarships.

Top sponsors included Kay and Susan McMillan, Wolf Family, Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc., Marcia and John Mike Cohen, Mike and Shawn Duca, Belle Hahn, Lily Hahn Shining, Lead Edge Capital, Malou Foundation, Rob and Heather Hambleton, Cindy Robinson Mullen, Zegar Family Fund, and Bank of America.