CALIFORNIA MISSIONS FOUNDATION HOSTS EXQUISITE DINNER HONORING THE CHUMASH, SPAIN, MEXICO, AND THE U.S.

By Bonnie Carroll

It was a Santa Bárbara gala like no other. The California Missions Foundation hosted a special evening at the Presidio to celebrate historic preservation throughout the Santa Bárbara community. Since 1998, the California Missions Foundation has been dedicated to preserving and restoring the historic California Missions and related historic sites throughout our State.

    Pastor Fr. Michael Ronayne Santa Inés Mission and President Joe Schwab, Fr. OFM Santa Bárbara Mission are welcomed by David Bolton, CMF Executive Director.

A cordial reception was held before dinner in the El Presidio de Santa Barbara private garden where fifty guests mingled, enjoyed a glass of wine with hors d’oeuvres, and shared introductions. Mayor Randy Rowse was pleased to welcome honored guest Spanish Consul General Gerardo Fueyo to Santa Barbara. The evening dinner began with pomp as Trumpeter Jon Ernst played the national anthem of both nations.

City of Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse and Spanish Consul General Gerardo Fueyo enjoyed a conversation before dinner.

During his welcoming remarks, CMF Executive Director David Bolton recognized several local historic sites including Missions Santa Bárbara and Santa Inés, and Casa del Herrero. CMF has joined with each of these sites to bring important federal matching funds for their respective preservation and conservation projects. CMF also recognized the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and Santa Barbara Historical Museum for their dedication to education and stewardship of all things historic in Santa Barbara.

David Bolton, CMF Executive Director thanks Historic Preservation and Education Supporters

Founded in 1998 to preserve our state’s Missions and related historic sites, CMF’s recent efforts have brought $2 million of federal funding to the greater Santa Bárbara community for historic preservation and conservation. “The California Missions Foundation is proud to have collaborated with several of our historic sites, helping to assure these buildings will be around for the next generations,” said Mr. Bolton. “Combining federal funds with local donations is a great way to demonstrate community collaboration.”

The exquisite Four Nations Dinner honoring the Chumash, Spain, México and the U.S. was prepared by Chef Humberto Pérez, and was perfectly paired with Italian, French and Spanish wines. Each course began with a scent card meant to enhance the plate served. The dinner was curated by pianist Antonio Artese who shared a different scent with each course before playing a brief repertoire with the magnificent altar as a historic back drop. Collaboration was the celebratory theme for the gathering of fifty who dined alongside candelabras, candles, and delicately cut and trimmed olive branches.

Mayor Randy Rowse, Consul General Gerardo Fueyo & Mrs. Fueyo

The entire evening, from the red carpet entry to the delicious sweet ending dessert, was such a delightful experience. It was a dinner overflowing withelegant ambiance and piloted by the beautiful musical arrangements of Antonio Artese which brought friends and supporters together to completely enjoy the glory of Santa Barbara El Presidio de Santa Barbara while savoring a unique menu designed to be shared from a place of love.

Red Carpet Welcome from Gonzalo Sarmiento and David Bolton

Founded in 1998 to preserve our state’s Missions and related historic sites, CMF’s recent efforts have brought $2 million of federal funding to the greater Santa Bárbara community for historic preservation and conservation.  “The California Missions Foundation is proud to have collaborated with several of our historic sites, helping to assure these buildings will be around for the next generations,” said Mr. Bolton. “Combining federal funds with local donations is a great way to demonstrate community collaboration.”

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