The disco beats were pumping from the Community Arts Workshop as guests arrived in sequins, bell-bottoms, and wild colors for Rooted Santa Barbara County’s first Annual Kale Disco on April 5, 2025 in Santa Barbara. Hosted by celebrity guest Duane Henry, the gala evening featured plant-forward dining from Palma Catering, an exciting live auction and a delicious dessert auction with auctioneer Tina Ballue, and plenty of sparkling fun!
Rooted presented the Roots to Reach Award to the Santa Barbara Foundation for its continuing support as fiscal sponsor of our startup organization. “The Santa Barbara Foundation is delighted to receive the Roots to Reach Award from Rooted Santa Barbara County,” said Santa Barbara Foundation President and CEO Jackie Carrera. “What has been equally delightful is to watch this new organization develop and grow into a strong advocate for food as medicine within our community. Executive Lead Beth Skidmore and her board and volunteers have really offered a masterclass in so many areas of non-profit organizational development. And also now I know how to make a meal out of a can of beans, a can of corn, and some salsa!”
Proceeds from the event, totaling over $50,000, will support Rooted’s educational and outreach programs.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Sponsors and partners of this event include Ginger Salazar and Brett Matthews, Dr. Fred and Sarah Kass, Mosher Foundation, the Santa Barbara Foundation, Sally Morgan and Michael Degusta, Justin Pearlman Certified Financial Planner ®, UCLA Health, eji events, David Huey and Lori Tremer-Huey, the Skidmore Family, Cottage Health, Rhonda Lee Johnson Photography, Caruso’s and Rosewood Miramar Beach, Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa, Lobero Theatre, Something Good Organics, and Lazy Acres.
Groovy photos by Rhonda Lee Johnson Photography – https://rhondaleejohnson.com/
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Supporting Our Work - We’re currently an all-volunteer organization and we see incredible room and need to grow over the coming year. We understand that this time has enormous challenges for everyone, so while we’ll be seeking support to help roll our vision forward, we’re also thinking creatively to keep our costs low to efficiently build resources and deliver programming at low to no cost to our community. If you’d like to support our work, we hope you’ll consider making a donation to one of our giving programs through our community partner, the Santa Barbara Foundation!
