Glamour was on display at The Granada Theatre’s Ninth Annual Legends Gala, where upper-crust Santa Barbarians gathered to celebrate artists and art-supportive organizations. On the Granada stage, guests enjoyed a vibrant three-course meal by Seasons Catering with libations from Pence Vineyards, as Master of Ceremonies Andrew Firestone sang the praises of this year’s honorees: The John C. Mithun Foundation; the Lobero Theatre; and Nir Kabaretti, music and artistic director of the Santa Barbara Symphony.
The John C. Mithun Foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts on supporting the important marriage of arts and education, providing funding for youth-based performance initiatives, including the continuation of musical education in schools. The foundation was introduced by Dan Oh, board president of the Goleta Education Foundation. Oh described John C. Mithun governing trustees Mercedes Millington and Susan M. Torrey as “visionaries whose generosity and passion have illuminated the performing arts across our community,” praising their steadfast belief in the transformative powers of education and the arts. “This spirit is what makes Susan, Mercedes, and Jack legends,” said Oh. “Giving is not about programs; it’s about restoring joy and possibility for generations to come.”
In her remarks, Millington, whose career began as an elementary school educator, said that the performing arts are something everyone can participate in — not only on the stage, but in the audience, as well. “It’s something we all need,” she said. “It’s not just food to eat and it’s not just going to school — we need to feed our souls.”