On March 7, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) celebrated its 25th anniversary at its Love Boat–themed gala. The 140 guests enjoyed cocktails on the museum’s patio and dinner inside. Emceed by Andrew Firestone, the event honored Hiroko Benko and Sigrid Toye.
As owner of the whale-watching boat Condor Express, Benko is a longtime supporter and collaborator of SBMM’s youth education programs and is co-chair of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area. Toye has provided significant support to the museum over the years, including as board president, advisor, fundraiser, and donor.
In an interview, SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga reflected on the museum’s impressive growth and its impact on the county’s youth through its innovative educational programming, which Gorga points to as the museum’s most significant component.