CADA Hikers Return from Swiss Alps to Benefit Santa Barbara Teens in Recovery; Annual Community Climb Slated for October 27

Led by Bob and Patty Bryant, 41 local community leaders have returned from the highly successful 2019 Summit for Danny International Climb in the Swiss Alps. This year’s Climb raised nearly $180,000 for the Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Center, which is home to the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) treatment programs for local teens struggling with substance abuse. More than 6,500 teens have been served by the Center since it opened in 2001. 

Since the International Summit Climbs began in 2000, over $3.2 million dollars have been raised to support the Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Center. The effort was launched after the death of Bob Bryant’s son Danny from a drug overdose. Bob was committed to turn his tragedy into hope for others by raising funds to create an adolescent drug and alcohol treatment center.

“We are deeply grateful to Bob and Patty for their dedicated leadership of this important annual fundraising effort on behalf of this critical CADA program,” said Scott Whiteley, Executive Director of CADA. “We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined this year’s climb and to the many people who gave so generously in support of the Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Center. Their commitment to helping local teens overcome drug abuse is vital to making our community healthy and strong.”      

Over the past 18 years, dedicated climbers have trekked Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Canadian Arctic, Peru, Ecuador, Bhutan, Patagonia, Mont Blanc, Bosnia, New Zealand, the historic Camino de Santiago, Spain, Norway and Iceland.

Due to the tremendous interest in this year’s International Summit Climb, two hiking groups journeyed trails from Interlaken to Zermann. Prominent local leaders joining the Climb included Montecito Bank & Trust Chairman & CEO Janet Garufis, a third-year Summit participant. Over six days, the hikers traversed over 50 miles of steep terrain, reaching elevations of 11,000 feet on Summit Day.    

All participants cover their own expenses and are additionally responsible for raising a minimum donation, which allows every dollar contributed by the public to directly benefit CADA’s Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Center. 

To learn more about Summit for Danny Switzerland or watch for future International Climbs, visit www.SFDInternational.org.

Annual Community Climb Scheduled for October 27

In addition to its International Summit Climb, CADA also hosts an annual local hiking event. The 19th Annual Summit for Danny Community Climb will take place on Sunday, October 27, at Elings Park in Santa Barbara, the largest public park in America, located at 1298 Las Positas Road. 

As part of their registration, hikers receive a Summit for Danny t-shirt and hat. They select their route from three levels of activity: easy, intermediate and advanced, which range from three to 10 miles in distance. All hikes conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m., when hikers return to the park’s deck in Godric Grove to enjoy awards, live music, and a hosted BBQ and activities for all ages, including free chair massages. 

Cost to participate is $100 per adult and $50 per youth (ages 8-18); children 7 and under are free. Businesses and other organizations can also form and sponsor their own teams.

To register as a hiker, form a company team, or sponsor the Summit for Danny Community Climb, visit www.SummitforDanny.org. 

About the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 

For over 70 years, the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) has delivered a broad range of programs and services focused on preventing and treating the disease of alcohol and drug addiction affecting youth, adults and families in Santa Barbara County. 

Youth service specialists and school-based counselors work with youth at risk for mental health or substance abuse problems, and CADA’s school-based mentoring program provides at-risk youth with trained adult mentors who offer academic, social, and emotional support to resist alcohol and drug use. The Teen Court diversion program provides first-time misdemeanor offenders with a second chance and includes Parent Program education and support groups. Outpatient substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling for teens and their families are provided at the Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Centers in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. 

Adult services are available through the Resource and Referral Center at Project Recovery and through the SAVE employee assistance programs offered to local businesses. Services include a residential treatment center, adult outpatient treatment programs, and a Perinatal Treatment Program that serves pregnant / parenting women and fathers and includes on-site childcare. 

In 2018, CADA provided individual intervention and treatment services to 4,080 youth and adults, serving an average of 1,600 individuals per month. CADA’s services are available to anyone impacted by alcohol, drugs, or mental health concerns, without regard to gender, gender preference, age, race, ethnicity or national origin. 

For 28 years, CADA has served as the administrative agency for the Santa Barbara Fighting Back Coalition, a group of community leaders focused on policies, public awareness, and systems change to prevent substance abuse and increase access to treatment. CADA’s North County Advisory Board works in a similar capacity in Santa Maria. 

CADA works in close partnership with local schools, law enforcement, the media, health care organizations, businesses and other nonprofits to promote and provide substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.