Second Annual Gratitude Luncheon to Benefit the Fighting Back Mentor Program

Santa Barbara’s Fighting Back Mentor Program, a prevention initiative of the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, will host a special luncheon to honor the mentors in our community.

This event will take place at Fess Parker’s Double Tree Resort on Tuesday, May 7th from 11:30am -1:30pm.

Co-Chairs Anne Smith Towbes and Marybeth Carty invite you and the special people who have helped shape your life to join them and the Fighting Back Mentor Program as we celebrate mentoring.

Celebrity aesthetician Kate Somerville will speak at the Second Annual Gratitude Luncheon about the Mentors in her life who encouraged her towards aesthetician school and her current success. Kate faced many challenges in her childhood, but grew to be a national women’s business leader and complexion perfection expert for Hollywood celebrities. Today Kate is the director of a renowned medi-skin clinic in Los Angeles, and has developed a skin-care line that is sold worldwide. We are fortunate to include Kate as we show gratitude to the mentor relationships in our community.

In addition we will honor mentor Sam Dudley and hear his inspiring story of friendship and transformation. Sam is the son of District Attorney Joyce Dudley, a long time supporter of the Fighting Back Mentor Program.

Recently Joyce shared “Whenever I am asked by anyone how they can reduce youth violence in SB County I tell them to become a mentor. Daily, I am inspired and encouraged by the mentors in my life, especially my sons.”

The Fighting Back Mentor Program started in 1994 and currently serves over 30 schools in the Carpinteria, Goleta and Santa Barbara School Districts with more than 100 mentoring relationships. Proceeds from the Gratitude Luncheon will provide the funding to further the successes of this critical program for our community.

To reserve your tickets for the Gratitude Luncheon, please contact Lauren Haines at

(805) 963 – 1433 x138 or by email at LHaines@cadasb.org.

Visit the CADA website at http://www.cadasb.org