Gratitude

15th Annual Gratitude Luncheon

Celebrating the Mentors in our Lives

A Benefit for CADA's Mentor Program

Thursday, March 12, 2026
11:30–1:30 PM

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
633 E Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Gratitude

We are so excited to celebrate 30 years of mentoring children in Santa Barbara at the 15th Annual Gratitude Luncheon celebrating CADA's Mentor Program.

Thursday, March 12, 2026
11:30–1:30 PM
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Rod Lathim

The Gratitude Luncheon event — led by Chair Anne Smith Towbes — will feature keynote speaker Rod Lathim, a native Santa Barbaran who has been devoted to the Arts and their powerful impact on lives. He is an author and playwright, a theatre, concert and documentary film director/producer, and a successful visual artist of neon sculpture. He has served on the Boards of National Association of Theatre and Accessibility, The Lobero Theatre, Center Stage Theater, Boxtales, and The Marjorie Luke Theatre. Rod founded and served as Artistic Director of the award-winning Access Theatre, which toured internationally with original, fully accessible productions. He was the founding Board President and Development Director of the Marjorie Luke Theatre, overseeing its renovation over 20 years ago. Rod is a two-time Independent Local Hero and has received the Leadership in The Arts Award from the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, The Princess Grace Foundation USA Award from HSH Prince Albert and Frank Sinatra, among numerous humanitarian awards.

Joseph M. Lanza

Joseph M. Lanza

Mentor of the Year 2025

Joseph M. Lanza retired from McGowan Guntermann (now Prosperity Partners) in 2019. He has been a committee member since 2010. Joe became a CPA in 1979 and has worked in Santa Barbara since 1984. At McGowan Guntermann, Joe provided expertise in tax planning and financial management. He specialized in estate and trust taxation, high net worth individuals, and private companies in the real estate, construction, insurance, and high-tech industries. Joe served as President of the Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council, the Channel Counties Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA), and the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North. He graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting.

Joe and his mentee Liandro have been together for 4 1/2 years. They enjoy singing together, going to car shows, fishing, and simply spending time together.

Anne Smith Towbes

"Of the many wonderful community efforts I'm involved with, CADA's Mentor Program is one of the most dear to me."

Anne Smith Towbes
Founder & Event Chair

Sponsorship Opportunities

  • Eternal Heart Sponsor $20,000 For those whose impact endures timeless, unwavering, and deeply felt
    Provides one year of mentoring for ten children Includes one table of up to 12
    Recognition on the CADA event website with special acknowledgement during the event
    ($18,522 tax-deductible contribution)     Sold Out
  • Golden Heart Sponsor $15,000 A golden example of selfless giving and steadfast loyalty
    Provides one year of mentoring for eight children
    Includes one table of 10
    Recognition on the CADA event website with special acknowledgement during the event
    ($13,768 tax-deductible contribution)     Sold Out
  • Radiant Heart Sponsor $10,000 Your support lights the way and inspires others
    Provides one year of mentoring for six children
    Includes one table of 10
    Recognition on the CADA event website with special acknowledgement during the event
    ($8,768 tax-deductible contribution)     Sold Out
  • Sacred Heart Sponsor $5,000 Honoring a deep and devoted commitment to the cause
    Provides one year of mentoring for five children
    Includes seating for five
    Special acknowledgement during the event
    ($3,768 tax-deductible contribution)     Sold Out
  • Brave Heart Sponsor $2,500 For those who give with courage and compassion
    Provides one year of mentoring for two children
    Includes seating for five
    Special acknowledgement during the event
    ($1,268 tax-deductible contribution)     Sold Out
  • Tender Heart Sponsor $1,000 Symbol of gentle generosity and care
    Provides special events for our mentees
    Includes seating for four
    Special acknowledgement during the event
    ($507 tax-deductible contribution)     Sold Out
  • Individual Ticket $200 Includes seating for one Sold Out
  • Make a Donation or Honor a Mentor in Your Life Who was it that made a difference in your life? Honor your special mentor at our Gratitude Luncheon. Make a Donation

The 15th Annual Gratitude Luncheon is sold out.
For questions, please contact Lisa Gosdschan:
lgosdschan@cadasb.org | (805) 722-1321

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Radiant Heart

  • Melody Taft

Sacred Heart

  • Brophy & Sons
  • Lalla and Rinaldo Brutuco
  • Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation
  • Elizabeth and Kenny Slaught
  • Anne Smith Towbes

Tender Heart

  • Atlantic Aviation
  • Bryant & Sons
  • CalPrivate Bank
  • Marybeth Carty, Natalie Orfalea Foundation
  • Cottage Health
  • Suzy Farbman
  • Ed Graper
  • Sally Green
  • David and Anna Grotenhuis
  • Don and Sherry Lafler
  • Carol-Anne Lonson
  • Montecito Bank & Trust
  • Kelly and Eric Onnen
  • Thomas Prendiville
  • Santa Barbara New House
  • Jane Sweeney
  • Marsha and Jim Wolfe