CADA Announces 13th Annual Gratitude Luncheon, Featuring Keynote Speaker Joe Lambert

The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) will hold the annual Gratitude Luncheon celebrating its Mentor Program on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Belmond El Encanto, 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara.

Hosted by event founder and chair Anne Smith Towbes, the luncheon is a benefit for CADA’s Mentor Program. This year’s gathering will feature keynote speaker Joe Lambert, a Santa Barbara resident recognized for his philanthropic work in creating Teen Star to support local youth in the performing arts. Local businessperson and CADA mentor Kenny Slaught will receive the Penny Jenkins Mentor Champion Award.

Sponsorship, ticket purchase, and donation information can be found at www.cadagratitude.org, or by calling the CADA Development Office at 805.722.1320. Donors can make a donation in honor of a mentor in their lives.

Now in its 28^th year, the Mentor Program matches Santa Barbara County youth enrolled in 3^rd-8^th grades with caring adult mentors who encourage personal growth, self-esteem, academic performance, and healthy family dynamics.  The program currently supports 75 mentor-mentee matches, and the need for additional mentors continues to grow.