Press

Community Environmental Council

by Lorraine D. Wilson, News-Press Staff Writer

This was the "enchanted forest" of everyone's fantasy: beautiful wood nymphs, fairies, satyrs and a setting of 30-foot-tall or so trees planted in wooden boxes inside the circular, open-air Plaza del Sol at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort. It seemed no one had seen a backdrop this magical before. Guests traveled a moss-covered path enhanced by stone fountains (borrowed from Eye of the Day) to a small clearing, where "magic elixirs" (cocktails) were offered and the music of Palmer Jackson Jr., Cord Pereira and John Simpson filled the air.

The event was a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Community Environmental Council. Dave Davis, executive director, was enjoying every minute of the Green Gala. It was eco-friendly and elegantly designed, thanks to Merryl Brown of Merryl Brown Events and designer Tricia Fountaine. All of the props were borrowed and even the lovely fairy dresses were recycled bridesmaid gowns.

The delicious dinner was also environmentally sensitive, using fewer plates and glassware and filtered water poured from a pitcher not served in plastic bottles. Organic, fair-trade-certified Green Star Coffee was served. Last year, the Green Gala diverted 90 percent of its waste from the landfill!

Most spectacular of all were the more than three dozen 30-foot-tall or so redwood trees in wooden boxes, brought to the party by crane and returned to the nursery the next day, thanks to Wayne Covert, of Cal-Western Landscape, who, with his crew, donated the time.

More excitement came from Kenny Loggins, who performed pro bono and was the highest bidder for the Kelly Slater surfboard. A secret high bid went for the cocktail party and music for 40 at the Montecito home of Jelinda and Barry DeVorzon. Other items included landscaping design services by Katie O'Reilly Rogers and a Jeff Bridges-signed guitar.

Among the major sponsors were Andy and Kim Busch, event co-chairs Hollye and Jeff Jacobs and Gay and Tony Browne, Diane Boss and husband Anton Vonk, Betty and Mike Noling, Kind World Foundation, Allen Associates, Bonnie and Dick Jensen, Joanie and Gary St. Denis, Brett Matthews and Ginger Salazar, Carol and Bill Palladini, Aurora and Rick Grimm, and an entire table of the Borgatello family. Greg and Elisabeth Fowler were among the supporters and Geof and Laura Wyatt, Thekla and Richard Stanford, artist Danyel Dean, Patty and John MacFarlane, Mark and Sally Hamilton, Geoff Green, Gwen Stauffer of Lotusland, Jill and Neil Levinson, Eric Spivey, Natalie Orfalea, Kisa Heyer, David Landecker, Jim and Deanna Dehlsen, Justine Reddick, Mary Ann Contreras, Roxanna and Randy Solakian, Nancy O' Connor and Anne Smith Towbes.

Dave and Jean Davis were spotted talking to local pioneers of the environmental movement; among them: Selma Rubin, John Meengs, Bud Bottoms, Mark McGinnis, Paul Relis and former CEC director Hal Conklin.

The music of The Midnight Band lured all the spirits in the forest to the dance floor and the electricity in the air continued throughout the night.

From left, Haley Carrere and Clair Benhayon, fairies in the "enchanted forest," with musician Kenny Loggins, who entertained the guests, and Neal Duggleby, "The Green Man," who added to the fun at the eco-friendly 40th anniversary celebration of the Community Environmental Council.

From left, Andy and Kim Busch, major supporters for many years of CEC and its goal of an eco-friendly world, with Gordon Roddick, longtime supporter who lives here and in England.

Forest nymphs Nikoll Rodriguez, left, and Sara Downes, right, with the forest princess, Emily Rosendahl, who entered the party on a live horse transformed into a unicorn. The surprise brought guests to their feet in applause.

Reprinted with permission from the Santa Barbara News-Press.

For additional information or to inquire about sustainable event planning, call (805) 455-3112 or visit: www.merrylbrownevents.com