SANTA BARBARA RESCUE MISSION HONORS KARL WILLIG AT 2022 ROAD TRIP TO THE BAYOU

By Bonnie Carroll

The (SBRM) Santa Barbara Rescue Mission held its twenty first annual fundraiser Road Trip to the Bayou on Saturday, October 1, 2022, on the scenic private beach of historic Rancho Dos Pueblos, where guests enjoyed a casual outdoor beachside atmosphere while bidding online for valuable silent auction items, savoring a delicious rest stop dinner by Lorraine Lim Catering, and listing to live music of The Idiomatics.

Karl Willig, who was scheduled to be honored at this year’s Bayou event for his stellar support and contributions to SBRM through the years, passed away suddenly in early September making it a poignant and heartfelt event honoring his great support of SBRM through the years.

“Karl Willig will be remembered and honored with the Leni Fe Bland Award for his service to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission and our community. Rolf Geyling, Rescue Mission president stated. “The Rescue Mission family is grieved by Karl Willig’s recent passing. The imprint of his leadership and extensive involvement is deeply seen in the organization we are today.”

The funds raised at the Bayou allow the mission to offer a successful 12-month residential drug and alcohol treatment program and provide emergency services for homeless guests. Last year, the Bayou event raised over $600,000 to assist people seeking shelter and recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The Mission has helped over 900 people achieve recovery I the last 25 years. John Ross and Rick Fogg gave a touching tribute to honoree Karl Willig, followed by program Graduate Eric Duncan who shared his journey of challenges and freedom, joy, and hope with Santa Barbara Rescue Mission. Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse shared what a valuable service SBRM has served in the community for so many years, and that he was glad to be enjoying the new location of the Bayou event 2022.

Special thanks to Board of Directors Chair Joyce McCullough, Women’s Auxiliary President Pamela Dillman Haskell, Bayou Co-Chairs Susan Hughes and Joan Wimberly, Decorations Chair Dianne Davis, Auction Coordinators Terry Foil, Alice Birch and Katie Pointer, Rancho Dos Pueblos Institute owners of Rancho Dos Pueblos, Lorraine Lim Catering and her outstanding team, Emcee Catherine Remak, Bryant & Sons Jewelers, Cox Communications, Montecito Bank & Trust, Fess Parker Vineyard & Winery, The Petersen Foundation.

“Together we are not only transforming the lives of individuals, we are changing and saving entire families. Generations from now people will be living in hope and freedom because of the Mission and our donors who make it possible,” said Rolf Geyling, the Rescue Mission president. All proceeds for the benefit the Homeless Guest Services and state-certified 12-month Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program of the Sant Barbara Rescue Mission.

About Santa Barbara Rescue Mission

Established in 1965, Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, a 501(c)(3) organization, brings physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual resources to individuals and families in need. It is the only organization between Oxnard and Santa Maria that provides hot meals and overnight accommodations to homeless guests 365 days of the year. The rescue Mission offers men’s and women’s 12-month residential recovery treatment, family support, relapse prevention, men’s sober living, academic instruction, and job skills training. Its residential drug and alcohol program has won regional and national recognition for its extraordinary effectiveness. The Mission receives no government funding. For additional information visit: www.sbrm.org.