Retiring SBMM ED Gets a Good Roast

What a Night! The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s halls resounded with laughter with an old-fashioned Celebrity Roast – think Dean Martin! – and a panel of friends and colleagues to celebrate Executive Director Greg Gorga’s retirement after helming the organization for 18 years. Welcomed were over 200 guests (not including crashers) who noshed on delicious Italian hors d’oeuvres and drinks in honor of Gorga’s Italian heritage. The Roast was a collaboration between Emily Falke, the museum’s curator and party planner, and I co-chairing, with the support of the Board of Directors and staff. An ever-lively John Palminteri as emcee introduced a dais of Roasters ready to step up, each with their own humorous lens on Gorga’s lengthy tenure. Sitting in a comfortable chair was the guest of honor, clutching a cardboard image of himself, ready for the punchlines about to circle like seagulls over a picnic! 

Maritime Museum President Alex Weinstein welcomed the crowd and introduced the evenings panel: George Writer, Emeritus Board Member; Chuck Wilson, Immediate Past Board President: John Doordan, Board Member; Dr. Ray Ashley, former CEO San Diego Maritime Museum; Luke Swetland, CEO, SB Museum of Natural History/Sea Center; Steve Windhager, SB Botanic Garden Executive Director and Joe Gorga, Greg’s nephew and VP, Diablo Valley Community College. Quite a lineup I’d say!

Among the highlights was Ray Ashley’s definition of ‘Research.’ “One of our shared exhibits was on the nautical history of rum and we felt this topic required extensive research. As museum directors it was essential to sample the libation for quality control… the thing is, I just can’t remember anything after that!” Past Presidents Geoie Writer and Chuck Wilson shared stories of their own. “I made a few observations about Greg,” shared Wilson as the audience chuckled. “Zooming the Executive Committee meetings I’d put my screen on gallery view, kinda like Hollywood Squares, just to watch Greg squirm. But here’s the kicker… all of a sudden he’d just disappear – what’s up with that?” Executive Committee Member John Doordan recalled, “I couldn’t believe that Greg could actually bring that huge Point Conception Fresnel Lighthouse Lens into the museum. Eight years later and right before my eyes, this lunatic actually pulled it off… and went on to became The Great Gorga!” Most moving was the speech by Gorga’s nephew who spoke of his uncle with tears in his eyes. “Greg is one of the most important people in my life, not only as my uncle but my mentor and support system – a man who cares deeply about people – everyone knows and love him – and the job that he does here at the museum.” The last person to stand up was the Roastee himself who thanked all who’d both skewed and honored him with such gratitude and love. “The most important and gratifying job of my life has been this museum. Each day that I came to work I felt a sense of accomplishment, much of which has to do with the efforts of my talented staff. I’ll miss them and you all!”

Participating in the laughter, tears, kudos and cheers were a host of Santa Barbara museum directors, founders and donors. Representing the museums was Charles Hopper of the Zoo and Rich Block, Robin Gose of MOXI, former directors of Natural History and Sea Center Kart Hutterer and Dennis Power. Representing a family of sponsors, Peter Schuyler attended along with Marie Morrisrowe, Mercedes Millington, Susan Torry, Robin and Jess Parker and Jean-Michel Cousteau and Nan Marr among others. Santa Barbara songstress Catherine Malear accompanied the festivities in Gorga’s honor throughout the event with her melodic voice. 

It was especially gratifying for those of us in attendance to watch as Greg was honored by Mayor Randy Rowse with an official declaration from the City of Santa Barbara for his years of service. At the apex of the evening, we watched the man who spent two decades preserving Santa Barbara’s maritime history being gifted with an historical symbol of his own: the dedication of the Lighthouse Lens with a named plaque placed front and center in his honor. This could not have happened to a more deserving person. Thank you Greg, from your museum family and the entire community!