HTO held a Thank You Happy Hour Party, for the Sponsor and Supporters of the Imaginary Gala 2023, at the Santa Barbara FisHouse on Thursday night as part of our Imaginary Gala 2023 celebration. The evening was nothing but smiles and fun – a rip-roaring toast to the donors who pushed our fundraising over the TOP. Civic leaders came, other Executive Directors came, the former fire chiefs (City and County) came, HTO co-founder Jeff Youngcame – it was a giant smiling jamboree!
2022 Imaginary Benefit - Journey Into the Past Fantastic
Heal the Ocean's Honorary Chair Julia Louis-Dreyfus invites you to Journey into the Past Fantastic for Heal the Ocean's Imaginary Gala 2022. It is guaranteed to be the "best party you never went to!"
Heal the Ocean's Imaginary Gala events have always been a hit and instantly sell out! Look for your invitation in the US Mail. Or if you prefer, we brought the 2022 Imaginary Gala to GoFundMe because it is an added benefit that everyone can participate in, including you! Please watch our short video to watch HTO Executive Director, Hillary Hauser elaborate on HTO’s work - filmed by HTO Board Member/Event Manager, Heather Hudson, Graciegirl LLC, and Operations Manager Jasmin Tupy.
2021 Imaginary Benefit - Surf Dog
WOOF! Heal the Ocean’s 2021 Imaginary Gala is turning out to be a smash success – the best Event we’ve thrown in our 20+ year history!
We don’t want you to miss our party with Surf Dog! You can still participate in this year’s gala through GoFundMe! Donate by October 29, 2021, and you will be recognized in the Santa Barbara Independent and the Montecito Journal along with all our attendees as our way of shouting out a public “Thank You!”
2020 Imaginary Benefit - Flying Whale
2019 Benefit - A Lovefest and Huge Success!
2018 Benefit - HTO's 20th Anniversary Celebration!
2017 Benefit - A Smashing Success!
2016 Benefit - A Really Big Show!
So on October 22, 2017 Heal the Ocean turned the El Paseo restaurant into Palm Springs for a "Really Big Show," with pink flamingos, palm trees and little cactus planters on the tables - everything but a swimming pool. On stage, Frank Sinatra (Monty Aidem) came out to sing a few Sinatra oldies and goodies, then introduced his friends Marilyn Monroe & Liza Minnelli (both played by Gailyn Addis(!). . .
2015 Benefit - An Evening With Elvis!
There was never a party like this one! 200 guests into the El Paseo, designed by HTO Board Member (and Event Coordinator) Heather Hudson, who also created all the prizes for the Auction - auctioned by Russ “The Rocktioneer” Stolnack with gusto. Mexican cuisine, good vibes - and a whole lot of shakin’ in the crowd.
2014 Benefit - Curemos El Oceano!
What a magical evening! Just before dinner, partygoers were serenaded by guitarist Sam Adams, and then - behold! - a surprise performance of the Santa Barbara Choral Society of the “Brindisi” (“Drinking Song”) of Verdi’s La Traviata, featuring a rousing choral response to Orange County tenor Xavier Prado and Santa Barbara soprano Christine Hollinger who descended the stairs over the El Paseo stage while singing the famous “Libiamo, libiamo ne’lieti calici” aria. . .
2013 Benefit - A Night with the Rat Pack!
On September 29, 2013, HTO boogied into the night with our supporters during “A Night with the Rat Pack” event at the El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara. We promised “No Auction, No Raffle, No Kidding,” so after HTO Executive Director greeted everyone we went straight to a dinner show put on by a Rat Pack impersonator troupe (Monty Aidem et al) from Los Angeles, which put on some really fun performances of Sinatra-Dean Martin-Sammy Davis Jr. classics. . .
2012 Imaginary Benefit - Fantastic Fishes
2011 Benefit - Imaginary Gala
2010 Benefit - HTO's 6th Annual Celebration!
2009 Benefit - HTO's 5th Annual Celebration
2008 Benefit - 4th Annual Concert - A Giant Success!
The old oak tree was the center of attention asa more than 350 guests arrived at Hal & Mary Coffin’s fabulous Montecito Valley Ranch for Heal the Ocean’s 4th annual Benefit Concert on August 28, 2008. . . This was a particularly special evening as it was HTO’s 10th anniversary celebration and the long septic-to-sewer Rincon battle had finally just been won. . .
