On September 19, more than 250 members of our community gathered at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum for Green Gala: Rooted in Hope — an evening celebrating the people, partnerships and practical climate solutions shaping the future of the Central Coast.

Together, Green Gala inspired more than $200,000 in sponsorships, matching gifts, auction giving and paddle raises to help move CEC’s work forward.

Rooted in Hope.
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Green Gala brought together farmers and ranchers, climate leaders, local makers and producers, longtime CEC supporters, and new friends around a shared commitment to the Central Coast.

Guests explored our first-ever Green Gala Market, gathered around a seasonal dinner inspired by Elizabeth Poett and the traditions of Rancho San Julian, and heard how CEC is turning promising ideas into lasting climate solutions.

Green Gala supports CEC’s work to:

REVERSE emissions through clean transportation, electrification and renewable energy

REPAIR the climate benefits of working lands

PROTECT communities by building climate resilience

CONNECT climate leaders across generations

Four strategies. One goal: a healthier, more resilient Central Coast.

SUPPORT CEC

Green Gala 2026 by the numbers

250+

community members gathered

$200K+

in sponsorships, matching gifts, auction giving, and paddle raises

25

farmers, ranchers, makers, and producers

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors

Community Champion

Sustainability Partner Sponsors

Max and Jennifer Drucker

Martin and Kerrilee Gore

Steward Sponsors

Green Sponsors

Anonymous
Jon and Susan Clark
Zegar Family Fund

Community Builder Sponsors

Mary Becker
Nancy Steinberg Barasch

2026 Green Gala Committee

Co-Chairs

Jennifer Drucker

Jessica McLernon

Committee

Natalie Greenside
Kerrilee Gore
Lily Hahn Shining

Clara Cadwell
Colette Carlsson
Brook Eiler

Honorary Committee

Allen Construction
Angela Antenore
Boston Trust Walden
Dave Davis
Christine DeVries
Carolyn Fitzgerald
Future Leaders of America
Geoff Green
Lee Heller
Bruce Kendall
Barbara Lindemann