By Matt Daly & Julia Lee
On Saturday, September 16, Doctors Without Walls invited the community to attend the fourth annual Glow in the Park fundraiser in Elings Park. This wonderful event serves as a unique opportunity for community members to meet the faces behind the organization and converse with volunteers about their experiences providing care to the underserved. With flavorful music, scenic tethered balloon rides, and a lively crowd of compassionate community members in attendance, this year’s bigevent was one to remember!
Guests arrived at 5 p.m. for the VIP Reception where they were treated with specialty cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres. As the 400 guests arrived at Elings Park, soft notes played by cellist Michelle Beauchamp lightened the mood and artist Jeremy Harper captured the evening in the form of elegant paintings. One of his pieces titled “Plein Air” was auctioned off in support of Doctors Without Walls.
Guests eagerly stepped in line to board one of ten tethered hot air balloons that were scattered across the park. The quantity of hot air balloons has increased each year in accordance with the increased number of guests. This year’s big event featured the unveiling of a beautiful white hot air balloon decorated with a Doctors Without Walls banner.
Michael Armand Hammer, the Honorary Chair, and several Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine board members delivered powerful speeches at the event, including Father Larry Gosselin, Executive Director Maria Long, Board President Paul Jaconette, and Medical Director Dr. Jason Prystowsky.
The Bryan Titus Trio warmed up the stage as guests built their appetites meandering the grounds and speaking with DWW volunteers. In addition, the 4th Annual Glow in the Park featured the screening of a short film that details the mission of Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine. This film was followed by a live auction presented by John Palminteri. The Bucket List Silent Auction featured unique items such as a gourmet dinner at Fire Station One, a private tour of the Santa Barbara Mission with lunch for two, a Tamale & Tequila Tasting party, hot air balloon rides, a personal cruise for 6 aboard a 100-year-old Ranger with a private Maritime Museum tour, as well as a plane ride to Catalina Island featuring lunch for two.
After a delicious dinner served by Omni Catering, Tariqh Akoni and his one night only band took the stage to perform a wonderful tribute to Stevie Wonder. Guests rushed the dance floor as the magical night burned on.
The funds raised at Glow in the Park help support Doctor Without Walls’ clinics in which volunteers provide direct healthcare to the underserved members of the community. It is evident that the Santa Barbara community desires to take healthcare to new heights as this Glow in the Park was the most successful yet! Doctors Without Walls would like to thank the community for such a fantastic turnout and a truly memorable night in honor of Santa Barbara’s underserved.
If you were unable to attend but would like to support the mission of Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine, please visit our website to find out ways in which you can help!
