On the afternoon of March 10, about 250 guests gathered at the historic Belmond El Encanto Hotel to celebrate its 101st anniversary and support Youth Interactive, a nonprofit providing at-risk Santa Barbara youth with art and business training through its novel program of youth-led businesses. The event netted more than $28,000 for Youth Interactive.
Guests mingled in the lobby, bar, and verandah and got to view hotel memorabilia, such as old photos and advertisements. Some shared their El Encanto experiences in years past on postcards and through videos, which were placed in a time capsule to be opened in another 101 years. Beautiful products made by Youth Interactive students were on display for purchase with students on hand to discuss their work. Guests enjoyed gourmet food and beverages and perused silent auction items.
During the program, newly-hired hotel General Manager Colleen Huther welcomed the guests and explained how the hotel became established as a premier retreat in the first decades of the 20th century by catering to plein air artists, celebrities, and the East Coast carriage trade. Celebrities such as Clark Gable, Hedy Lamar, Carole Lombard motored up the 101 from LA to escape the rigors of the big city and stardom and 101 years later, Huther proclaimed, the hotel continues its legacy as a luxurious escape.