Annual Mission Creek Gala
The 24th Annual Mission Creek Gala: Mineral Masquerade was held April, 13, 2024 and raised $650,000 for the Museum's nature and science education programs.
Please contact Development Director Caroline Baker 805-682-4711 ext. 109 or cbaker@sbnature2.org with any questions.
The Museum inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world and is committed to providing exceptional educational programs for the Santa Barbara community. Our annual Gala has raised more than six million dollars for school programs since 2000.
Mineral Masquerade Honorary Committee
- Stacey Byers
- Sheri Eckmann
- Venesa Faciane
- Heather Hambleton
- Kenneth Kelly, Ph.D.
- Amanda Lee
- Bobbie Kinnear
- Karen Nicholson
- Susan Parker
Special thanks to our business sponsors:
- duo catering and events
- Farmers & Merchants Bank
- Frank Schipper Construction
- Joy Full Events
- Montecito Bank & Trust
- Robertson International Travel Consultants
- Scenic Luxury River Cruise
- SMI Audio Visual
- S. R. Hogue & Co.
- The Pierre NY
- Town & Country Event Rentals
- US Bank
And the following generous sponsors:
Mineralogy Tableau Sponsors
- Deneen and John Demourkas
- The Dreier Family
- Lorraine and Keith Reichel
- Leanne Schlinger
- Wood-Claeyssens Foundation
Tourmaline Sponsors
- Hutton Parker Foundation / Susan Parker / Chris and Marisa Parker
- Lucie Greer
- Heather and Rob Hambleton
- Ben Sprague
Fluorite Sponsors
- Lyn and David Anderson
- Ann Jackson Family Foundation
- Sheri Eckmann and Bill Klansek / Gail and Bob Young
- Bobbie and John Kinnear
- Nancy Martz
- Mari and Hank Mitchel
- Monica Orozco
Tanzanite Sponsors
- Jenny and Matt Adams
- Gina and Martin Bell
- Hiroko Benko
- Stacey Byers and Luke J. Swetland
- Melissa Fassett / Price Postel & Parma
- Julie Heider Gray and Cameron Gray
- Barbara Holzman and David Smith
- Betsy and John Moller
- Jill Nida and Gary Simpson / Home Improvement Center
- Janet and Ed Sands
- Frank Schipper and Leslie Meadowcroft Schipper
- Isabel and Paul Wendt
- Penelope Wong and Tim Kochis
- Bruce and Susan Worster
Dolomite Donors
- Bella Domani
- Louise and Tim Casey
- Marcia and John Cohen
- Elisabeth and Greg Fowler
- Patty and John MacFarlane
- Brad Willis and Tony Pusathai
The Galactic Gala was held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 and raised $570,000!
Staff event speakers and support Isabella Figueroa, Charlie Thrift, Krissie Cook, and Luke Swetland. Photo by Baron Spafford
Sponsors Heather and Rob Hambleton and their table guests enjoying the Gala.
Photo by Baron Spafford
2022 Seahorse Soiree
Sea Center on Stearns Wharf lit up for the Seahorse Soiree
Thanks to the generous sponsors and donors to the Seahorse Soiree the event raised $500,000 to support our important nature and science education programs for schoolchildren in our tri-county area. These funds will be used to fund hands-on learning opportunities that provide an understanding and appreciation of the natural world thereby fostering the next generation of ecologists, policy makers, and informed citizens. For many, the Museum is their first introduction to the wonders of nature, and the remarkable region in which we live. This sets the stage for a life-long interest in both science and the natural world.
Heather Hambleton and Melissa McCann enjoy the opening reception at the Seahorse Soiree.
For more information contact Caroline Baker at 805-682-4711 ext. 109 or cbaker@sbnature2.org.
