IMPRESSIONS

IMPRESSIONS 

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE TEDDY BEAR CANCER FOUNDATION 

2009

Mailing Address 

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation 

133 East De La Guerra Street, No. 163 

Santa Barbara, California 93101 

(805) 962-7466 

Please visit our new website: 

www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org 

Tax ID #14-1872081 

IN THIS ISSUE 

Letter from Executive Director 1 

Letter from Founder 2 

New Announcements 3 

TBCF Programs 4 & 5 

Outreach 6 

Community Corner 7 

2009 Fundraising Events 8 

Cruz Testimonial 9 

Board of Directors 10 & 11 

The Bear Club 12 

Letter from Roberta & Stan 13 

Moments in Time 14 

In Memory of ... 15 

Staff 16 

Thank You 17 & 18 

Special Recognition, 

Collaborations & Grants 19 

Did You Know? 20 

Testimonials 21 

Our Mission 

The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation ensures that children with cancer 

receive the undivided comfort of their parents during treatment and 

recovery by providing families with financial and emotional support.

Executive Director’s Letter 

Dear Friends, 

… and I thought 2008 was busy! What an amazing year this has been! Last year, I can recall sitting down 

in our finance meeting discussing what 2009 was going to be like. Everyday on the news we were hearing 

about the financial market crashing, banks closing, unemployment rising, and home foreclosures hitting 

astronomic rates. I remember thinking how are we going to survive this? 

Now, sitting here thinking about the last 12 months, I am amazed to realize not only did we survive, but we 

had our most successful year to date! For one reason… humanity! The generosity of our community, donors 

new and old, businesses, individuals and groups who came together because they all know there is nothing 

more tragic that a child inflicted with cancer. Thank you for your unwavering support. 

Teddy Bear has gone through tremendous growth in 2009. We started the year off by hiring our very first 

Teddy Bear recipient, Becca Solodon, as a full time employee. Jumped right into our 2nd Annual Saks & 

The City which proved to be a wonderful success, then expanded our services to Ventura and now collaborate 

with Ventura County Medical Center/Pediatric Oncology Clinic. Proceeded to launch a fabulous new website 

(be sure to visit) and introduced The Bear Club - our cornerstone of philanthropic support. In addition, we 

started the Koala Klub, giving children of all ages a chance to give back to kids their own age, took our 

Teddy Bear dads out for a much needed reprieve on the high seas with our new Fishing for Fathers program, 

and hired our newest family member, Cynthia Menendez. Then ended the year with an outstanding and 

beautiful 4th Annual Luncheon masterfully emceed by Dennis Miller at the stunning estate of Patricia and 

Brian Kelly and honored one incredible couple – Debbie and Dan Kass! 

However, as we celebrate our successes, our challenges for 2010 are still daunting. We have had an inexplicable 

increase in the number of children with cancer. Currently we are assisting 175 families and offering our 

services to well over 716 individuals. Almost weekly we are notified of additional children being diagnosed. 

We could question the reason why there is such an increase, but no one really knows. What we do know is 

the numbers are growing and despite incredibly difficult economic times, the need to reach out, to help, to 

make a difference remains. 

It is because of you that we have been able to help sustain our families and meet their needs. On behalf of 

our families, past, present and future, thank you for the generosity you have given to Teddy Bear Cancer 

Foundation. Lastly, to our TBCF Board: each month you come to our office with one goal in mind, the 

betterment of Teddy Bear so we can help families who have children with cancer. Your expertise, generosity 

of heart and dedication have made Teddy Bear what it is today. 

We look forward to changing lives with you in 2010! 

Marni Rozet 

Executive Director 

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation 

www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org - 805.962.7466 1 | IMPRESSIONS

Founder’s Letter 

There have been many times throughout the year when I have taken a step back and looked in wonder at 

the growth we have experienced in 2009. Every time I do, the first words that come to mind are, “Little 

Teddy Bear.” 

It gives me chills to think that all of this started, almost seven years ago, on the floor of my one-bedroom 

apartment. I am forever grateful to each and every one of our supporters, volunteers, donors, directors 

(present and past), office staff members, committee members, clinic staff and everyone who has ever been 

involved with the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. It is because of their commitment, kindness and generosity 

that we have grown as we have, and that we have been able to help the number of families we do. 

Cancer does not just affect the child in treatment; it affects the entire family. This simple fact makes it an 

honor to do what we do. The families we work with open their private lives to us, allowing us in. They are 

scared and uncertain about the future of their child, yet they allow us to be part of their journey. Hopefully 

we succeed in making it a little easier. The children continue to be my heroes. Their strength, determination 

and will to fight are humbling, and through their eyes I can see at least a part of their world. 

While I wholeheartedly love what I do, there are many times that I think cancer is not fair. No one knows 

why children get cancer, and to explain it to a child who is struggling every day to understand… Well, 

sometimes it’s just too much. 

There are moments like the one I had on a recent morning that break my heart—yet at the same time light a 

fire inside me. On this particular morning, I was talking with a family member (known as Auntie) of one of 

our TBCF Kids. The child was first diagnosed in 2000 with Adrenal Cortical Sarcoma. Nine years later, she 

is still fighting for her life. Every day is her own personal battle, and she has looked death in the face more 

times than any adult ever has. Her doctors tease that she makes the old saying about a cat having “nine lives” 

a mere glimpse in time. “She never cries, never complains or breaks down,” Auntie said. “In the last nine 

years she has just fought.” 

Recently however, reality became overwhelming. “I’m very angry,” the little girl said. “I keep asking God 

what I did wrong to deserve this? Why me? Why won’t he help me?” 

These are the words of a 14-year-old girl. Words that she should never have had to think, let alone say. 

“I’m not scared anymore of dying,” she continued. “I’m scared of the cancer coming back. I just can’t take 

anymore.” 

To hear this and know that she is not alone, that many of the children with cancer who we meet feel and 

think the same way… This cuts into my heart and soul in ways I cannot describe. 

While stories like this validate what we do and why Teddy Bear was started, I constantly explore how we 

can do more to help. To share her words with our supporters, and with people unfamiliar with Teddy Bear 

to reach out to each and every person we can—I believe that together, there is nothing we can’t do to help. 

Thank you for believing too. 

Sincerely, 

Nikki Katz 

Founder/Program Director 

2 | IMPRESSIONS www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org - 805.962.7466

New Announcements 

◙ Ventura Expansion 

A true testament to making a difference is growth. This June, the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation expanded 

its services to Ventura County and partnered with the Ventura County Medical Center’s (VCMC) Pediatric 

Oncology Clinic. We are now offering Financial Assistance at $2,500 per family, Support Groups for parents, 

art therapy for kids in treatment and play groups for siblings, kids’ days, family fun events, care packages and 

Project Christmas to families being treated at VCMC living in Ventura County. We are very proud to say that 

ALL funds used in Ventura County are raised in Ventura County. 

◙ The Bear Club 

You are invited to become a member of The Bear Club, the cornerstone of 

philanthropic support for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. Your generous 

contribution will provide the funds needed to carry out Teddy Bear’s mission of 

providing financial assistance to families with a children diagnosed with cancer. 

(See page 12 for more details) 

◙ Koala Klub 

Kids want to help other kids and given the opportunity they can really make a difference. There is something 

very comforting and supportive to a child going through treatment for cancer to know that their peers and 

kids they have never met want to help. 

The Koala Klub is for kids 16 and under. Kids can become a member on their own, with a group of friends, get 

their class involved or even their entire school. Anyone can join! 

To become a member, all kids need to do is think of ways to help. Here are just a few examples of things other 

kids have already done. 

• Santa Barbara Middle School’s 9th Grade Council ran our raffle at our 4th Annual Luncheon and raised 

$5,000! Their goal was to sponsor a family - and they succeeded! Well done SBMS’ers! 

• Whitney, Ashley & Emily Steidl, Gabrielle & Zachary made over $190 at a Hot Lava 

Concert by walking around with trays of cupcakes to raise money and awareness 

for kids with cancer. 

• Nicoletta & Josh Neighbors have been volunteering 

in multiple ways: by helping our TBCF kids at various 

events, playing Santa’s Elves by giving gifts at Christmas 

and raising awareness by speaking at their schools. 

• Laguna Blanca Upper School’s Mackenzie Campbell, 

Mckenzie Scarborough, Fiona Jessup & Amanda Harvey 

took it upon themselves to get their peers excited about 

Teddy Bear and created their own fundraising club. Their first fundraiser was a Joga-thon 

where they raised over $200 with a year-end goal of $5,000 to sponsor a 

family. 

• Blake Colvin, started Cupcakes for Cancer with a wish to help kids with cancer. 

In September 2007 a fellow 8th grader Kevin was diagnosed with leukemia in her 

town. She wanted to help him by raising money for his family and their medical 

expenses for his long road of chemotherapy. Blake decided to sell homemade 

cupcakes for $1 at her school. In two short years, Blake has raised $30,000 selling 

her delicious cupcakes. She has granted 5 wishes for Make-A-Wish here on the 

Central Coast and recently raised $5,000 for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. 

Other ideas kids have come up with are- lemonade stands, car washes, rummage 

sales, handmade cards for children in the hospital, jewelry with supportive messages 

on them like “Love, Wish, Hope, etc.”, coin drives and much more. 


Current Programs - What we do and how you can help 

Financial Assistance 

The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance to families with low 

and moderate incomes. TBCF receives the family’s bills and pays them directly. Families are assisted with 

rent or mortgage payments, auto loan payments, insurance, repairs, utility bills, medications, treatments, 

home care services that are not covered by insurance, funeral expenses, and other costs, such as health 

insurance premiums, counseling, childcare, groceries/meals, gas and transportation, overnight hotel 

accommodations for emergency or extended hospital stays and other financial necessities. 

How Can You Help? Every dollar makes a difference. Make a donation or Sponsor a 

family at $2,000 - $5,000. 

Parent & Child Support Groups 

These groups offer a unique and beneficial form of support, offering parents both an educational 

presentation and a place to meet others enduring a similar situation. Our groups consist of a family style 

dinner and are facilitated by a licensed social worker and an art therapy group with a licensed therapist 

for children with cancer and their siblings. 

How Can You Help? Donate activities, restaurant sponsorship or volunteer. 

Care Packages 

Care packages are given to families whose child is in the hospital. They consist of gift certificates from 

local markets and restaurants, toys for the child and his or her siblings, and essential toiletries. 

How Can You Help? Donate any of the above items. 

Hotel Accommodations 

Occasionally, the child must undergo treatment far from the family’s home, making visits difficult and 

costly. TBCF helps ease the financial burden by paying a reduced rate for accommodations at the 

Santa Barbara Encina Lodge to immediate family during an emergency or an unusually extended 

hospital stay. 

How Can You Help? Donate towards our Hotel Accommodations fund to help defray 

costs. 

Funeral Fund 

The sad reality of cancer is that sometimes kids pass away. During these tragic times, TBCF assists 

families with funeral arrangements, helping to pay for such things as funeral home costs, cemetery plots, 

headstones and other expenses that arise. 

How Can You Help? Donate towards our Funeral Fund. TBCF provides each family in 

need up to $4,000. 

Transportation 

When transportation is needed, TBCF arranges rides for our families to safely and comfortably make their 

child’s treatments. 

How Can You Help? Donate gas cards. 


Current Programs 

Kids’ Days and Family Fun Events 

TBCF sponsors fun events for children and their families throughout the year. These “fun days” provide 

an opportunity for kids to meet other kids like them, helping them to feel less alone, and giving them a 

break from constantly thinking about their treatment. 

How Can You Help? Join an event committee, become a sponsor, provide food or a 

service. 

TBCF Storytellers 

Three times a week, a TBCF volunteer visits Cottage Hospital to read stories to the children in pediatrics. 

TBCF provides books, puzzles, activities, and stuffed animals that are given to children in the hospital. 

How Can You Help? Volunteer to read with a child. 

“Moments in Time” 

Thanks to our wonderful donors, we are able to brighten the lives of our children by offering help 

with special requests such as building a wheelchair ramp, tutoring or childcare to name a few. Other 

moments include opportunities to meet their favorite hero or celebrity. 

How Can You Help? Tickets to shows, sporting events, concerts, etc. Donations to help 

fund admissions and/or transportation. 

Ventura Program 

This June, TBCF expanded its services to Ventura County and partnered with the Ventura County 

Medical Center’s (VCMC) Pediatric Oncology Clinic. We are now offering Financial Assistance at 

$2,500 per family and other supportive services. All funds used in Ventura are raised in Ventura County. 

How Can You Help? Join our Ventura Development Committee or Sponsor a Family. 

Celebrity Kindness 

Celebrities will often come to the hospital to visit a child in treatment 

• Adam Sandler- Actor 

• Criss Angel- Magician 

• Kelly Slater- Surfer 

• Kobe Bryant- Athlete, L.A. Lakers 

• Emeril- Celebrity Chef 

• George Lopez - Comedian 

• Owen Wilson- Actor 

• Betsey Johnson - Fashion Designer 

• Joe ‘Leonidas’ Henle- Ultimate Fighter 

• LA Lakers 

• Santa Barbara Foresters 

Jeanette at Betsey Johnson 


Outreach 

6th Annual Family Fun Day - April 17, 2009 

Families joined together at Rancho Oso for an 

afternoon of togetherness that united kids and their 

families with others in similar situations. It was fun for 

all ages as kids participated in a good old fashioned 

Bar-B-Q, arts & crafts, mini golf, hayrides, petting zoo, 

pony rides and much more. 

5th Annual Spring Fling - April 26, 2009 

The Beach Grill at Padaro came alive with arts & 

crafts, face painting, games, obstacle courses and 

more! Adults enjoyed dinner and drinks, while kids 

rocked out to the tunes of our very own Hot Lava for 

a day of pure family fun. 

2nd Annual Mother’s Spa Day - May 3, 2009 

Hosted and sponsored by Theresa Borgatello-Carlson, 

owner of Bellezza Vita Spa, the Santa Barbara 

community of Beauty professionals joined together 

with TBCF to serve, bless & honor our children’s moms 

for a day of pampering and indulgence. 

Movie Night - November 7, 2009 

The La Cumbre Mall honored TBCF by selecting us as 

the chosen nonprofit of the night while hosting their 

Annual Movie Night and Kids Expo. Kids danced to 

the tunes of Hot Lava followed by a very special 

showing of “Over the Hedge” on a big giant blow up 

movie screen while being served popcorn and hot 

chocolate throughout the night. 

Fishing 4 Fathers - November 8, 2009 

With perfect temperatures and weather awaiting, the 

Santa Barbara Stardust took 11 very deserving dads 

out for a day of fishing and adventure. With special 

thanks to the crew, these dads caught all the fish 

they were able and took home dinner for a week. This 

wonderful day was hosted and sponsored by Jason 

and Jaime Diamond, owners of the Santa Barbara 

Sea Landing. 

Project Turkey - November 2009 

Eight families were adopted this year by Lynda 

Schwartz and friends. Thanksgiving dinner with all of 

the trimmings was prepared and personally delivered 

to the homes of each of these very grateful families. 

Project X-Mas - December 6, 2009 

40 new families were “adopted” by “Secret Santas.” 

150 presents were picked from wish lists made by 

each child. In collaboration with Eric’s Angels and 

University Movers, volunteers gathered and wrapped 

presents, and stuffed stockings with treats, lights, 

handmade cards and tree ornaments. Christmas was 

happily prepared and personally delivered to each 

family’s home with gifts, trees, overflowing stockings 

and food vouchers. 

Holiday Party - December 13, 2009 

TBCF was invited for the 3rd year to sponsor and 

organize Cottage Hospital’s Annual Pediatric 

Oncology/Hematology Holiday party. Over 300 adults 

and children attended with plenty of holiday cheer to 

go around. Children sat on Santa’s lap and received 

their gifts while Christmas carolers serenaded the 

party-goers. 


Community Corner 

• Summer For Kids - all year 

Summer for Kids, a local children’s boutique on Coast Village 

Road, was founded with the goal of creating a store that was 

child health-conscious and environmentally responsible. To 

celebrate their first anniversary, and in an extraordinary effort to 

make a lasting impact in the lives of children, boutique owner 

Adriana Shuman, and her husband Mark, made the decision 

to give back to the community that supports their store, and 

donate 100% of all store profits to benefit local children’s 

charities in Santa Barbara. Adriana stated, “Our goal is to 

provide support to agencies leading the way in making Santa 

Barbara a better place for at-risk children, taking care of them 

and making sure they can get the services they need, to achieve success as adults in life.” 

• Santa Barbara County Firefighters - all year 

From BBQ’s to auctions to driving shuttles, Santa Barbara 

Firefighters have generously continued to donate their time and 

efforts to Teddy Bear. They are Teddy Bear’s heroes!!! 

• Celebrating Marcus - April 

Corina Rubio and her family continue to honor her son Marcus 

who lost his battle with cancer April 2007. Family and friends held 

their 2nd annual fundraiser at Rusty’s Pizza in Oxnard, donating all proceeds to sponsor a 

new family whose child is experiencing what Marcus and Corina’s family did. Together they 

have made a difference in another child’s life. 

• Massage Envy - September 

For the 3rd year in a row, Teddy Bear was the featured charity in September 2009 at Massage 

Envy in Five Points Shopping Center. 

• Southern California Edison - October 

For the 3rd year in a row, S.C.E.’s campaign committee for Santa Barbara County featured 

Teddy Bear. Employees donated generously through their Employee Contribution Program. 

• Ventura Meet & Greet - November 

Su Part and Jon Kavesh graciously opened their home to a number of their Ventura County 

neighbors for an afternoon of hors d’oeuvres and lively conversation to introduce their guests 

to the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, which has now expanded into Ventura County. Teddy 

Bear representatives, Dr. Francisco Bracho and Dr. Chris Landon, as well as one of our very 

own cancer survivors, Kelsey Gores, spoke about the wonderful work done by Teddy Bear. 

• Santa Barbara Middle School - October & December 

For our 4th Annual Luncheon Santa Barbara Middle School donated 

vans for transportation to and from the private estate, had 9th 

graders sell raffle tickets and raised over $5,000. In addition, students 

adopted 10 Teddy Bear children to give Christmas gifts and helped 

at our annual Holiday Party. 


Fundraising Events 

2nd Annual Saks and The City – “A Girls Night Out” 

What started as a special night for women to be treated 

with makeovers, massages & fashion has turned into a much 

anticipated annual extravaganza! Once again, with the 

generosity of our donors, sponsors and local businesses, we 

raised over $60,000 in donations! Over 95% of the proceeds 

raised went to benefit local families in need of TBCF services. 

All aspects of this event including services, food, beverages, 

auction items, décor, venue, and post party reception were 

donated. It was truly remarkable to see the Santa Barbara community come together and support 

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. A very special thank you to our 

amazing committee, to Saks Fifth Avenue for donating our event 

location and to all participating businesses and individuals who 

make this event possible. You have helped raise much needed 

funds for families who have been stricken during incredibly difficult 

times! We look forward to Saks and The City III! 

4th Annual Fall Luncheon 

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation celebrated its 4th Annual Fall Luncheon with 365 guests at the 

beautiful estate of Patricia and Brian Kelly. We were graced with the attendance of 6 TBCF families 

and honored Debbie & Dan Kass for their dedication to serving the Santa Barbara community 

and numerous charitable organizations. Since moving to Santa 

Barbara in 2004, the Kass family opened their hearts and home 

to numerous charitable organizations, and have dedicated 

their heart and soul to helping children and adults alike facing 

adversity. Our community is lovingly enriched by their presence 

and Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation was honored to recognize 

them for their love, loyalty, generosity and guidance! 

This year, Melinda Marchiano graced us once again with her 

eloquence and passion as she moved the crowd to tears with 

her story on overcoming an eating disorder, with the assistance of TBCF, after winning her battle 

against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Dennis Miller, Luncheon Master of Ceremonies, brought his talent 

for comic relief as he acclaimed Melinda as being a “Modern Day Anne Frank”, leaving everyone 

touched, moved, and inspired to make a difference in 

a child’s life! Thank you to everyone who contributed 

to this event. Because of you we generated our largest 

proceeds in a single event, raising $175,000, allowing us 

to provide our support and services to our families in the 

most challenging time of their lives. 


Testimonial: Cruz 

To Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, 

This is regarding our son David Cruz. My 

family and I would like to express how 

unexplainably grateful we are for the 

support, cooperation, generosity and love 

that everyone has continually shown us 

for all this time. 

A thousand thank you’s to everyone! 

With your help, our son is still alive and 

we still have so much hope during this 

battle that will most definitely be won 

by him. It is of utmost importance to us 

that he is surrounded by love and you all 

have definitely shown your true colors 

in doing so. I don’t have enough words 

or time to repay God or yourselves for 

your precious gifts of all kinds. Your time is very valuable and you still 

insisted on giving it to our son. Thank you again for contributing to 

the possibility for David to stay with us. 

I genuinely thank God for giving us the chance to meet some of the 

most beautiful people that must walk this earth. Although it has been 

extremely painful, stressful and emotional to say the least, we have 

encountered something positive and so grand throughout this journey. 

If David would not have had his illness, we would have lost the 

opportunity to know you. 

God bless you all. I have faith that he will take care of you and your 

individual necessities just as he did for us. 

With so much love, respect and never ending gratitude, 

The Cruz Family 


Advisory, Honorary & Board 

◙ RACHAEL ROSS STEIDL, PRESIDENT, is the founder and CEO of ParentClick.com, a website that centralizes 

resources for local families in 23 cities nationwide and known locally as SBParent.com. Rachael is actively involved in 

the community, serving on boards/comittees for the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, Youth Making Change, school 

PTA, and is a former Santa Barbara Foundation Katherine Harvey Fellow. Rachael has an M.A. in Psychology from 

Pepperdine University. She is also a Santa Barbara native and the mother of 3 girls (11 year old twins and a 7 year old) 

and married to seismologist, Jamie Steidl. 

◙ MICHELLE PICKETT, VICE PRESIDENT, is a corporate and tax attorney with Brownstein Hyatt Farber & Schreck 

(formerly known as Hatch & Parent). She serves as legal advisor to individuals, emerging and established companies, 

and private foundations and public charities on business and tax matters. Michelle is actively involved in our 

community, serving on the boards of The Santa Barbara Foundation, The Children’s Project, and KDB Radio as well 

as participating in other philanthropic activities with her family and friends. The inspiration to Michelle’s life are her 

two children and supportive husband, who together supply a never-ending amount of laughter, joy and memories. 

◙ TRAVIS WILSON, TREASURER, moved to the Santa Barbara area from Los Angeles to attend the University of 

California, Santa Barbara where he obtained degrees in political science and business economics. He is a certified 

public accountant with McGowan Guntermann working primarily in the areas of financial accounting and consulting, 

audit, and taxation for not-for-profit, real estate, and small businesses. Travis is currently serving as treasurer of the Teddy 

Bear Cancer Foundation, volunteers as a summer counselor for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, and is a former 

Santa Barbara Foundation Katherine Harvey Fellow. 

◙ PAT SNYDER, SECRETARY, has lived in Santa Barbara for 15 years, after moving from Honolulu in 1995 to join Santa 

Barbara City College as its chief fundraiser and later its Foundation Executive Director. In 2001, she joined Visiting Nurse 

& Hospice Care as its Foundation Executive Director and served in that capacity until 2008, when she transitioned to 

part-time work as VNHC’s Sr. Gift Planning Director. She also does major gift and planned giving consulting with other 

local nonprofits. She currently serves on the boards of the Center for Successful Aging and the Children’s Museum of 

Santa Barbara, and is past president of the SBCC Continuing Education Citizens Advisory Council and board member 

of the SBCC Foundation. She was recognized as AFP Fundraiser of the Year for Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties in 

2005, and as the California Community College Fundraiser of the Year in 2001. 

◙ ROSALIND REA AMORTEGUY, DIRECTOR, is a graduate of SB High, and an honors graduate from the University of 

California, at Berkeley. She also graduated from the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in Business Administration for Women. Upon returning to 

Santa Barbara in 1988 she became active with the SB Museum of Art, serving as a docent, and was Chairman of the Museum Collectors 

Council. Roz was also active with SB Beautiful, and served in various capacities, including President and is now on their Honorary Board. 

Presently, she is the former President of PARC (Parks and Recreation Community Foundation), and Vice President of PASF (Performing 

Arts Scholarship Foundation). She is Secretary of the SB Chamber Orchestra and has served for over 15 years on the board. Roz is also a 

member of CAN (Community Angels Network). She just retired after 15 years as Director of the Fitness Center at Birnam Wood Golf Club. 

She has played on the Women’s Golf Team since its inception. She is a former Chairman of the Women’s Golf Association. Roz has three 

children, James, Catherine and Marjorie, who is a SB psychiatrist. 

◙ JIM BECHTEL, DIRECTOR, joined Wells Fargo in 2004 and is currently a Senior Investment Manager with The Private 

Bank in Santa Barbara, California. Jim manages and designs customized portfolios for individuals, families, endowments, 

and foundations. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Jim managed taxable and non-taxable portfolios at Northern Trust Bank 

and Roxbury Capital Management and has been in the investment industry since 1983. Jim is a member of the Executive 

Board of Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Board of Directors for Girls, Inc. and The Investment Committee 

for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. Both of Jim’s daughters struggled with cancer diagnosis as children. 

◙ DR. RICHARD E. BEHRMAN, DIRECTOR, is a pediatrician who moved to Santa Barbara in January, 2007, where 

his son and 2 grandchildren live. He has 4 children and 8 grandchildren. Dick previously held positions as Professor and 

Chair of the Departments of Pediatrics at Columbia and Case Western Reserve (CWRU) Universities and Physician - 

Chief at their respective children’s hospitals; Dean and Vice President at CWRU Medical Center; Executive Director 

of The Center for the Future of Children at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation; Chair of the Boards of Directors 

at the Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University and its Foundation; and Executive Director of the Federation 

of Pediatric Organizations. Currently, Dick is Executive Director of Non-Profit Healthcare and Educational Consultants 

to Medical Institutions and serves on the Boards of Directors of The Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition of 

California. 


Advisory Committee 

◙ JO BERKUS, DIRECTOR, has lived and worked in Santa Barbara for the past 35 years and was educated at the 

University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. She served as Editor of a sports magazine, arranged world 

sporting events at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, managed a large fixed base operation at Van Nuys Airport, volunteered 

at the Special Olympics under Eunice Shriver, was a single mother of two wonderful children and worked in high-profile 

environments for presidents and owners of large corporations until her retirement in 2004. She and her husband, Barry, 

support innumerable non-profits and host events in their home, and both are passionate about sharing their time and 

blessings with those less fortunate. 

◙ STAN FISHMAN, DIRECTOR, along with his wife, Roberta, have lived in Santa Barbara for 21 years. They have 4 

children and 9 grandchildren. Along with being a retired executive and entrepreneur in retail and merchandising, Stan’s 

list of philanthropic activities in Santa Barbara is impressive. He serves on the boards of the Visiting Nurse and Hospice 

Care of Santa Barbara, and is Vice President of the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College. He also is on the Board 

of Governors for The Dream Foundation. His vast knowledge and experience in the world of entrepreneurism and 

philanthropy are greatly beneficial to the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s mission and goals. 

◙ ERIC DAVID GREENSPAN, DIRECTOR, father, husband, serial technology entrepreneur, avid wakeboarder, 

member of the Superfriends, amateur blogger. Eric is CEO of Make It Work, Inc., Executive Producer of ABC/CBS Tech 

News and creator of the OSN101. Eric has been nominated on at least 6 different occasions for Entrepreneur of the 

Year and Make It Work has been recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Eric 

sits on several boards including the Technology Council of Southern California and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. 

◙ SUSANNAH E. RAKE, DIRECTOR, was born and raised on the East coast and graduated with a B.A., M. Arch. and 

M.S. in Historic Preservation and Restoration from Columbia College and the Columbia University School of Architecture. 

She is President of coolwater design group, l.l.c. Her New York career encompassed editorial positions with Conde Nast 

Publications. She has served on the board and committees for the following organizations: Domestic Violence Solutions 

for Santa Barbara County, GIRLS, Inc., Santa Barbara Historic Museum, CAMA Fellows, Laguna Blanca School, All Saints 

by-the-Sea as a Lay Eucharist Minister. Susannah and her daughter are members of the National Charity League in Santa 

Barbara. The support of services for family and their welfare are a primary mission for her work. 

◙ IRENE ROBLES, DIRECTOR, is a native of Santa Barbara. She attended local schools and graduated from SB City 

College with an A.A. in Liberal Studies and UCSB with a B.A. in Sociology. Throughout the years she has been involved 

with various non-profits in the community including TBCF. She has held internships with Sr. Deputy District Attorney 

Joyce Dudley and CALM. She is also a former Board Member of Police Activities League, SB Jaycees, SB Community 

Development Block Grant and a Stakeholder with the Downtown/Waterfront Visioning Committee as well as a former 

Commissioner for the SB Housing Authority. Irene has a 20 year old son, Isaac who will be attending Ventura College this 

Spring. She has been employed with Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts as Executive Assistant/Office Manager for seven years. 

She is a cancer survivor and believes that exercise, prayer and hope are the keys to fighting not only cancer but any 

kind of disease! 

Earl Armstrong, President, Armstrong Associates 

Marty Bell, Angel Flight West 

Steve Cushman, Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce 

David Edelman, Cox Communications 

Dr. Dan Greenfield, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 

Cottage Hospital 

Brad Hess, Cancer Center of Santa Barbara 

Steve Jacobsen, Hospice of Santa Barbara 

Thomas Rollerson, Dream Foundation 

Lynda Tanner, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care 

Jaynie Wood, Child Life Specialist, Cottage Hospital 

Honorary Board 

Barry A. Berkus, Architect 

Janice and Tom Caesar, Hub International 

Insurance & Mission Linen 

Gary Caesar, Past Board Member 

Jennifer Caesar, Past Board Member 

Congresswoman Lois Capps 

Larry Crandell, Community Volunteer 

Irma and Morrie Jurkowitz, Community 

Philanthropists 

Wells Hughes, Founding President 

Debbie Kass, Community Philanthropist 


2009 Charter Bear Club Members 

Bear Club Levels of Giving 

Ambassador Bear 

$10,000 and above 

Financial sponsorship of 2 families ~ Private updates from Executive Director & Founder ~ all exclusive benefits below ~ plus other surprises! 

Visionary Bear 

$5,000 to $9,999 

Financial sponsorship of 1 family ~ Private updates from Executive Director & Founder ~ all exclusive benefits below. 

Healer Bear 

$2,500 to $4,999 

Private updates from Executive Director & Founder ~ Opportunity to participate in family support event ~ all exclusive benefits below. 

Support Bear 

$1,000 to $2,499 

Opportunity to participate in family support event ~ all exclusive benefits below. 

Helper Bear 

$500 to $999 

Annual Appreciation Picnic at the Santa Barbara Zoo ~ Bear Facts Newsletter ~ Invites to Special Events ~ Recognition in newsletters & annual report. 

Thank you to our 2009 Charter Bear Club Members 

AMBASSADOR BEAR 

Anonymous 

California Community Foundation 

Nikki & Larame Greene 

Debbie & Dan Kass 

The Lucky Brand Foundation 

Santa Ynez Valley People Helping 

People Foundation 

Wood-Claeyssens Foundation 

VISIONARY BEAR 

Margo & Jeff Barbakow 

Dr. Richard Behrman 

Roberta & Stan Fishman 

Lynda & Mark Schwartz 

The Towbes Foundation 

Volentine Family Foundation 

HEALER BEAR 

Kara & Chris Bellamy 

Geri & Jerry Bidwell 

Heidi & Chris Blair 

Polly & Tom Coleman 

Gianna & Paul Colombo 

Alexandra & William Daugherty 

Trina & David Grokenberger 

HUB International 

Nick Katzenstein 

Kim & Soren Kieler 

Lisa Loiacono 

MarBorg Industries 

McGowan Guntermann 

Betsy & John Moller 

Montecito Bank and Trust 

Devon Geiger Nielsen 

Dawn & Pierce O’Donnell 

Pacific Capital Bancorp 

Michelle & Matt Pickett 

Susannah Rake 

Saks Fifth Avenue 

Schuler Family Foundation 

HEALER BEAR (cont.) 

Scott Shadrick & 

Tom Livermore 

Adriana & Mark Shuman 

Daphne & Greg Tebbe 

Leslie Sinclair 

Von Weisenberger 

Whale Beach Foundation 

Travis Wilson 

SUPPORT BEAR 

Alan Slifka Foundation Inc. 

Jules Allen 

Rosalind Rea Amorteguy 

Ross Bagdasarian 

Patrice & Joseph Beach 

Kimberly Beaven 

Berkeley Aviation 

Bialis Family Foundation 

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP 

Children’s Museum of 

Santa Barbara 

Cox Communications 

Steve Cushman 

Dakar Inc. 

Katherine & Daniel Eades 

Monica & David Fishman 

Judith Foreman 

Dana Golden 

Marian & Eric David Greenspan 

Jamie & Kolleen Greenwald 

Nancy & Michael Hamilton 

Diane & Wells Hughes 

Sheela & Mark Hunt 

Hutton Foundation 

Issa Family Foundation 

Mer James & Scott Hedrick 

Lynn & Edward Jewett 

Diane & Wayne Kees 

Donna & Hugh Kelly 

Chris & Mark Levine 

Jill & Neil Levinson 

SUPPORT BEAR (cont.) 

Make it Work 

Terri Maria 

Linda & Tim McGaughey 

John & Elizabeth McGovern 

Matt McAllister & 

Jennifer Collester 

Holly & Robert Murphy 

Barbara & Edward Netter 

Connie Smith Nevins 

Laurie Rozet 

Lois Rozet 

Corina Flores Rubio 

Berta Schulte 

Rhonda Sheakley 

Aurora Sholly 

Roxanna Solakian 

Nina Terzian 

Sandra & Sam Tyler 

Venoco 

Heather Wennergren 

HELPER BEAR 

Vivian & Marc Alexander 

Michelle Apodaca 

Judy & Robert Bartlein 

Beach Grill at Padaro 

Wynne & Steve Benhayon 

Jo & Barry Berkus 

Keith C. Berry 

Theresa Borgatello & Derek Carlson 

Janice & Tom Caesar 

Jennifer & Gary Caesar 

Luann & Darren Caesar 

Citrix Online 

Tracy Lee Conway 

Larry Crandell 

Clay & Sally Dickens 

The Dream Foundation 

David Edelman 

Edison International 

Lucia & Doug Engel 

12 | IMPRESSIONS www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org - 805.962.7466 

HELPER BEAR (cont.) 

Cynthia & Brad Frohling 

Joanne Funari 

Raelene & Dan Gallagher 

Elizabeth & Dodd Geiger,III 

Debra Geiger 

Jessica & Randy Glick 

Michelle & Scott Greer 

Helen & Eric Jepson 

Martha L. Jordano 

Susan Jordano 

Susan & Jon Kavesh 

James Knight 

Teri & Ken Lebow 

Erin Martin 

Janet & John McCann 

Deanna McHugh 

Kristen Meadows 

Judith & Peter Murphy 

Mireille & Peter Noone 

Amy O’Dowd 

Sabrina & Tony Papa 

Page & Joe Plowman 

Nora Reyes 

Hortensia & Antonio Reyna 

Thomas Rollerson 

Lynn & Woody Rollins 

Christina & David Rottman 

Santa Barbara Elks 

Frank Schipper 

Shari Schubot 

Margaret Serjak 

Rachael & Jamie Steidl 

JoAnn Taylor 

John Thyne, III 

Anne Smith-Towbes 

Jill Vaccaro 

Karl Willig 

Leslee & Clyde Wullbrant

Introducing The Bear Club 

 

You are invited to become a member of The Bear Club, the cornerstone of philanthropic 

support for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation 

works to ensure that children with cancer receive the undivided attention of their 

parents during the treatment and recovery process through financial aid and other 

helpful services. 

We support our families by paying crucial bills (rent, mortgage, utilities) so parents 

can be by their child’s bedside. Additional services include: parent support groups, 

reading to children in the hospital, hotel accommodations, and family fun days – even 

assistance with funeral costs. 

As a member of The Bear Club you will receive invitations to all TBCF events, 

recognition, regular updates as to how your money is being used, the opportunity 

to participate in family support events, and an invitation to the Annual Bear Club 

Appreciation Picnic at the Santa Barbara Zoo for you and your family. 

Your generous contribution will provide the funds needed to carry out TBCF’s mission 

of providing financial assistance to an increasing number of families facing a cancer 

diagnosis of their child. Please help our children and families by renewing your 

membership or becoming a new member of The Bear Club! 

For more information on how to join The Bear Club or renew your membership, please 

contact our Executive Director, Marni Rozet at marni@teddybearcancerfoundation.org 

In these difficult times we need your help more than ever. 


Honorary Chairs, The Bear Club 

 


Moments in Time 

Just to name a few of this year’s favorites~ 

Lightning McQueen wishes David a Happy Birthday! 

Lightning McQueen from the movie “Cars” wishes David a Happy 

Birthday! On his eighth birthday, David had to be in the hospital to 

have his new prosthetic leg fitted. When his phone rang… he was 

shocked to be talking to Lightning McQueen himself (AKA voice 

over by Owen Wilson). Owen called to wish him a very special and Happy Birthday. All little 

David could say was “how cool that Lightning McQueen called me and how did it know it 

was my birthday?” 

Local dentists bring one young man a huge new smile! 

After enduring years of ongoing chemotherapy, one of our kids encountered serious dental 

issues and had to have all of his teeth removed. Thanks to the generosity, kindness, support 

and full donation of Dr. Del Pinho, Dr. Ingrid Lawaty and Dr. Marc Bienstock, this young man 

was able to receive complete reconstructive surgery and a full set of new veneers for a bright 

new smile. 

Jeanette goes wild at the San Diego Wild Animal Park! 

Thanks to the wonderful staff at the San Diego Wild Animal Park - 

one of our kids was able to meet and feed some of her favorite 

furry friends. 

Damian received a handmade quilt by Coastal Quilters Guild of 

Santa Barbara & Goleta who generously made and donated over 

250 quilts to our Teddy Bear children! 

George Lopez gives the gift of laughter to Hugo! 

When Hugo got front row seats, back stages passes and a chance to meet his idol George 

Lopez, he didn’t hold back showing the comedian/actor he wants to be a comedian one day 

too. 

Trent goes to the mat with Cage Fighter Joe Henle! 

Ride ‘em Cowboy! 

Damian gets cozy! 

The members of California Fight Syndicate graciously donated 

two tickets to send one of our TBCF kids and his dad to see the 

MMA Cage Fights at Earl Warren Showgrounds. 

Earl Warren Showgrounds provided tickets for one our families to come and watch an exciting 

night at the rodeo while they were staying in Santa Barbara due to chemo treatments. 


In Memory of... 

Jeanette Orrantia 

August 18, 1995 ~ October 14, 2009 

Trent Gary Gerke 

May 1, 1996 ~ November 9, 2009 

While he influenced the lives of many, he thought it was the other 

way around. Whether it was an athlete, a friend, a teacher, a 

doctor, or a nurse, Trent Gerke touched countless lives while 

fighting for his own. 

Trent’s newest friend Joe Henle, a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, 

met his biggest fan following a bout last October at Earl Warren 

Showgrounds. The fighter, who is currently in the running to be a 

finalist for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) sponsored 

reality show, marveled at his new friend’s courage in not only 

dealing with his disease, but to go after things he wanted. 

“Since I’ve met him, I have been using him as an inspiration. 

Whenever I don’t feel like I can push any harder, I remind myself 

‘Team Trent!’ Knowing that the little instant of pain I felt was nothing 

compared to what he was going through, kept me going.” 

Throughout his eight months of treatment, Trent was either playing 

pranks on the nurses, singing at the top of his lungs or talking about 

his love of sports. Everyone who knew Trent knew his passion for the 

Lakers and the Dodgers. He loved trash talking about the other 

teams and his smile would light up the room anytime he would talk 

about his favorite players. 

Although he loved his sports, Trent’s true hero was his dad, Jeff, who 

proudly stood by his side every step of the way. The unconditional 

love they had, and will always have, for each other is something 

that every parent dreams of having with their child. 

We love you Trent and will never forget the impact you had on our 

lives. You are our hero. 

One of Jeanette’s dreams was to live long enough to go to her prom. Knowing that there 

was a chance that might not happen, Debbie Kass and Theresa Borgatello decided they 

wanted to make her dream of going to a prom come true. Theresa’s daughters decided 

to take her to their Bishop Diego Winter Formal. 

To facilitate an introduction to her daughters, on October 9th, 2009 Jeanette had 

a magical day at Theresa’s spa, Bellezza Vita. She got a massage, facial, pedicure, 

manicure & make up. To top off her special day, Debbie Kass sent her to go pick out 

her favorite prom dress at Betsey Johnson. After several beautiful choices she found her 

dream dress and was glowing! As she looked at herself in the mirror, a big beaming smile 

came across her face and she said: “I feel like a princess.” Thank you Theresa & Debbie 

for creating that magical day for her- it was a true Moment in Time!!! 

Wednesday, Oct. 14 after a 9-year battle with cancer, 14-year-old Jeanette “Lady Jay” 

Orrantia became an angel and was laid to rest in her favorite new Betsey Johnson dress. 

Jeanette was an absolute inspiration to all who knew her. Her family, classmates and 

the entire community were touched by her extraordinary grace and courage in the 

face of adversity. She unknowingly motivated others to follow her lead and stay strong 

regardless of life’s difficulties. Jeanette’s undiscriminating kindness toward both humans 

and animals, and her gorgeous smile, touched so many who desired to know the secret 

to her unwavering positivity. 

She was a stunning young lady who graced us with her beauty inside and out, and will 

never be forgotten. 


Staff 

◙ MARNI ROZET, Executive Director, began her work with children as a 

counselor and teacher for abused and neglected kids. She pursued her passion 

for helping those in need by planning charity functions in Los Angeles, where she 

organized and launched events for a number of major organizations. When her 

children were of elementary school age, Marni began volunteering and working 

extensively at Montecito Union School and helping with fund development at 

Santa Barbara Middle School. She has been an active member of the Montecito 

& Santa Barbara communities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational 

Studies/Human Resource Management with a minor in Psychology from Pitzer 

College. Additionally, she lived in Japan and attended Obirin University while 

working and studying the Japanese culture, language and business. Marni has two children, Josh & 

Nicoletta who are 15 & 11 and has currently been with TBCF for 2 ½ years. 

◙ NIKKI KATZ, Founder and Program Director, brings 17 years of social work 

experience to the organization. She began her career by studying criminology 

and sociology, and then worked as a residential counselor in a group home 

facility for juveniles on probation. She has worked with a full range of people in 

need, from young kids to disabled teenagers and elderly cancer patients, whom 

she trained as a volunteer at the Santa Barbara Athletic Club. In addition to her 

volunteer work and five-year stint as executive director of the Foundation, Nikki 

has served on the Committee for the Children’s Miracle Network and has worked 

closely with Hugs For Cubs and the Santa Barbara Foresters baseball team. She 

established the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation in 2002, and finds love, joy and 

happiness with her husband, 1 ½ year old daughter, dog and 3 cats. 

◙ CYNTHIA MENENDEZ, Administrative and Development Assistant, 

is originally from Los Angeles, California. She graduated from UC, Santa Barbara 

in 2003 with a major in Global Studies and a minor in Italian. Cynthia joined the 

Peace Corps from 2006-2008 where she served as an HIV/AIDS Health Educator in 

Honduras, helped build a community training center, and facilitated numerous 

training workshops for youth, teens, women, health professionals, community 

leaders, police cadets and men in prison addressing HIV/AIDS and genderbased 

education through community leadership education. Upon returning to 

the US, Cynthia set out for a career in the non-profit sector and has since found 

that place at the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. 

◙ BECCA SOLODON, Spokesperson and Program Assistant, is a cancer 

survivor and Teddy Bear’s first recipient. Her positive attitude in the face of adversity 

has been an inspiration and example to children currently in treatment. “Visiting 

kids in treatment at Cottage Hospital is one of the best experiences I have ever 

had,” she says, describing her work with the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. 

“Their smiles are priceless.” In addition to her role at Teddy Bear, Becca works with 

the American Cancer Society, Hugs for Cubs with the Santa Barbara Foresters 

baseball team, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Take My Hand”, a song she 

wrote about her own experience with cancer, was such a hit that Make-A-Wish 

Foundation featured her story in the form of a doll, which is sold across America. 

She has become a motivational force, speaking and singing in the media and one-on-one with 

children, hospital volunteers, and community activists. Becca is currently working with professional 

producers and songwriters in Los Angeles who are mentoring her on her first album project. She is now 

a full time member of TBCF and looks forward to more opportunities to share her story and talents. 


Thank You to Our Committees 

◙ Grizzly Club Members, 

Est. March 2004 

Gary Caesar: Co-Chair 

Wells Hughes: Co-Chair 

Earl Armstrong 

Barry Berkus 

Keith Berry 

Taylor Berry 

Eric H. Boehm 

W. Scott Burns 

Darren Caesar 

Tom Caesar 

Derek Carlson 

Joe Coito 


Larry Crandell Jr. 

Steve Cushman 

Clay Dickens 

Ira and Linda Distenfield 

David Edelman 

Rob Egenolf 

Steve Engles 

Joanne E. Funari 

Randy and Jessica Glick 

Eric David GreenspanAl Harris 

John Indrieri 

James J. Knight 

Henry Lenny 

William Levy 

Bill Macfadyen 

Steve Mascagno 

Daniel Meisel 

Eloy Ortega 

Tony Papa 

Tom Parker 

Nancy Read 

Frank Schipper 

Chuck Slosser 

Jorgen Staal 

Sean Swords 

Tim Taylor 

Hal Thornton 

Mitch Williams 

Travis Wilson 

Chip Wullbrandt 

Michael Young 

◙ Finance Committee 

Travis Wilson: Chair 

Richard Behrman, M.D. 

Shayan Enrico 

Joanne Funari 

Nikki Katz 

Bibi Moezzi 

Michelle Pickett 

Marni Rozet 

◙ Fund Development 

Stan Fishman: Co-Chair 

Pat Snyder: Co-Chair 

Jo Berkus 

Eric David Greenspan 

Wells Hughes 

Nikki Katz 

Susannah Rake 

Marni Rozet 

◙ Nominating Committee 

Pat Snyder: Chair 

Jim Bechtel 

Nikki Katz 

Susannah Rake 


◙ Program Committee 

Nikki Katz: Co-Chair 

Devon Geiger Nielsen: Co-Chair 

Jim Bechtel 

Erica Butler 

Robyn Howard-Anderson 

Becca Solodon 

◙ Saks Committee 

Sean Drager 

Lucia Engel 

Nikki Greene 


Sheela Hunt 

Mer James 

Kristi Marks 

Dawn O’Donnell 

Lynn Rollins 

Christina Rottman 

Marni Rozet 

Jeannette Sanford Hawes 

Teresa Sharifi 

Carla Tomson 

Lauren von Fabrice 

◙ Luncheon Committee 

Judy Foreman: Co-Chair 

Mer James: Co-Chair 

Janice Caesar: Auction Co-Chair 

Jodi Fishman-Osti: Auction Co-Chair 


Theresa Borgatello-Carlson 

Tracy Conway 

Lucia Engel 

Nikki Greene 


Brandi Hughes 

Sheela Hunt 

Debbie Kass 

Pati Kern 

Cynthia Menendez 

Dawn O’Donnell 

Susan Pitcher 

Nora Reyes 

Christina Rottman 

Marni Rozet 

Gina Vaccarello 



Thank You to our event participants 

◙ Saks 

AMS Entertainment 

Ali & Charles Banks 

Beautiful U 

Bellezza Vita Salon & Spa 

Billabong 

Canary Hotel 

China Pavilion 

Victor Coleman 

Coral Casino 

Cox Communications 

Daniel Gibbings 

Duo Catering & Events 

Epiphany Restaurant 

Florabundance 

Four Season’s Biltmore Hotel 

Marian & Eric Greenspan 

GraphicInk 

Glenn Hening 

Granada Theater 

Hot Cookie 

Hot Ice Sculpture 

Indulgence “The Home Spa” 

Italian Pottery Outlet, Adele Hubbard 


Gaël Lecolley 

Make It Work 

Mareva International Spa 

Matilija Pure Water 

Mayacama Golf Club 

Brenda Papiernik 

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa 

Rejuvenasia 

RockStar Transportation 

Rick Rozet, Savory Truffles Catering 

Russian Bear Vodka 

Saks Fifth Avenue 

Jeannette Sanford Hawes 

Santa Barbara Bodywork 

Santa Barbara County Firefighters 

Santa Barbara Ice Company 

SBParent.com 

Skin Prophecy 

Sunset Gower Studios 

Sweeney Canyon Vineyards 

Carla & Shaun Tomson 

Mario Valentino 

Via Vai Trattoria Pizzeria 

Village Modern Foods 

Wurstküche 

◙ Luncheon 

Platinum Sponsors: 


Silver Sponsors: 

Margo & Jeff Barbakow 

Heidi Bassett Blair & Chris Blair 


HUB International 

MarBorg Industries 

Montecito Bank & Trust 

Susannah Rake 

Leslie Sinclair Von Wiesenberger 

Community Sponsors: 


Patricia Beach & Diane Kees 

Kimberly Beaven 

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP 


Children’s Museum of Santa Barbara 

Alexandra & William Daughtery 

Judy Foreman 


Dr. & Mrs. John Kelly 

Lisa Loiacono 

Make It Work 

Matthew McAllister 

Linda & Tim McGaughey 

Michelle & Jason Niemela 

SBParent.com 


Adriana & Mark Shuman 

Luncheon Auction 

“The Must” Restaurant/Bar in LA 

20th Century Fox 

Alex Mertens Art Gallery 

AMS Entertainment 

Andie Brown Stylist @ Patricia Noel 

Art From Scrap 


Beachstars Gymnastic 


Betsey Johnson 

Beverlye Hyman-Fead 

Billabong 

Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel 

Bella Vista Restaurant 

Brander Vineyard 

Bridlewood Winery 

Brighton Collectables 

Brophy Bros. 

Bruce Green Hair Stylist @ Patricia Noel 

Ca Dario Ristorante Italiano 

Cabana Home 

Café Luck 

California Pizza Kitchen 

Canary Hotel & Coast Restaurant 

Carpinteria Wine Company 

Carpinteria Toy Company 

Carpinteria Vetinary Hospital 

Carrie G. Fine Jewelry 

Carrie Kjellesvik 

China Pavilion 

Clare Swan 

Coastal Quilters Guild of Santa Barbara & Goleta 

Condor Express Cruises 

Corktree Cellars 

Dandiana Salon, Lena Truong 

Daniel Wilson Web Design 

David Roth Studios 

Dick Behrman 

Downey’s Restaurant 

DreamWorks 

Dressed & Ready, Susan Pitcher 

Ecosphere Associates 


Evolutions Spa 

Firestone Winery 

FlipFlop Shop 

Foley Winery 

For Paws 

Fresco’s North 

Gainey Winery 

Gaspar Jeweler 

Head to Toe Salon 

Holiday Express Hotel 

iL Fustino 

Indian Summer 

Indulgence “The Home Spa” 

Irene Robles 

Island View Nursery 

Jedlicka’s 

Jo & Barry Berkus 

Julie Montgomery 

Just Folk-Summerland 

Kate Women’s Clothing Store 

La Cumbre Feed Store 

La Playa Azul Cafe 

La Sumida Nursery 

Lady Ridley Tree Center 

Land Shark/Land & Sea Tours 


Leggiadro of Montecito 

Leslie Sinclair Von Wiesenberger 

Letter Perfect 

Lewis and Clark 

Lincourt Winery 

Little Alex’s 

Logomark 

Los Arroyo’s Mexican Restaurant 

Lucky’s Restaurant 

Maison K 

Marmalade Café 

Melville Winery 

Metropolis 

Michelle Pickett 

Mike Schillachi, Canine Trainer 

Montecito Athletic Club 

Montecito Country Club 

Montecito Inn 

Montecito Pet Store 

18 | IMPRESSIONS www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org - 805.962.7466 

Montecito Sports 

Julie Montgomery 

Nancy Murdock 

Natasha Clothing Store 

News Edge Grooming Salon 

Nina Terzian 

Occhialli Eyewear 

Olio é Limone 

Olympic Studios 

Only Hearts Club 

Paradise Restaurant 

Pat Snyder 

Patricia Noel Studio 

Petersen Village Inn & Stagecoach Wine Tours 

Physical Focus 

Piatti’s Restaurant 

Pierre Lafond 

Por La Mar Nursery 

Porch 

Prescott Hotel & Postrio in San Francisco 

Pur Cashmere 

Rachael & Jamie Steidl 

Red Studios 

Rincon Designs 

Rite Aid 



Rusty’s Pizza 

Sacred Space 

Salt Women’s Clothing 

Saks Fifth Avenue & Kilian Hennessey 

San Ysidro Pharmacy/Montecito 

Coffee Shop 

San Ysidro Ranch 

Santa Barbara Museum of Art 

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History 

SB Dance Arts 

SBParent.com 

Seagrass 

Setenay’O Inc. 

Shear Design, Susan Gray 

Skin Resolutions Skin Spa 

Kelly Slater 

Spoon Santa Barbara Gelato 

Stacky’s Seaside 

Stella Mares Restaurant 

Summer For Kids Children Store 

Susannah Rake 

Swiss Army 

Tecolote Book Shop 

The Barbeque Co. Grill 

The Bikini Factory 

The Cotton Company 

The Golf Klub Store 

The Pet Store 

The Tent Merchant 

The Wharf Pet Supplies 

The Winery in Los Olivos 

This Little Piggy Wears Cotton 

Tim Hoover 

Tinker’s Burger 

Carla & Shaun Tomson 

Tony’s Italian Restaurant 

Toro Canyon Nursery, Inc 

Travis Wilson 

Tré Lune 

Turks Montecito Nursery 

Ty Warner Sea Center 

Ultimate Boarder 

Valley Heart Gardens 

Via Vai Trattoria Pizzeria 

Village Modern Foods 

Lauren & Bill von Fabrice 

Warner Bros Television 

Whodidilly Cupcakes 

Zeum San Francisco’s Children’s Museum 

Zookers Café in Carpinteria 

◙ Media Sponsors 

CASA 

Coastal View News 

Cox Communications, David Edelman 

Daily Sound 

Montecito Journal 

Santa Barbara Independent, Shannon Kelly 

Santa Barbara Magazine 

Santa Barbara Newspress, Lorraine Wilson 

SBParent.com 

Scene & Heard 

Tina Latina

Thank You 

◙ Special Recognition 

AWS Automotive 


Theresa Borgatello-Carlson 


Jennifer & Gary Caesar 

California Pizza Kitchen 

Cancer Center of Santa Barbara: 

Richard Drew 

Brad Hess 

Rick Scott 

Mary Solis 

Marybeth Carty 

Child Life Specialist at Cottage Hospital, Jaynie 

Wood 

Cox Communications, David Edelman 


Mary & Peter Devoy 

Tina Louise Fanucchi 

Marianne Franklin 

Debra Geiger & Eliot Crowley 

Devon Geiger Nielsen 

Michelle & Jason Niemela 

Givezooks! 

GraphicInk, Alex Leung 

Halberg Photography, Cheryl Halberg 

Hematology/Oncology Clinic of Santa Barbara: 

Nanci Alvarado 

Dr. Dan Greenfield 

Robyn Howard-Anderson 

Pam Rodriguez 

Tim Hoover & Ultimate Boarder 



Patricia & Brian Kelly 

Pati Kern & Andrew Pfeffer 

Phase 3 Enterprises, Inc.Bunni Lesh 

Make It Work: 


Jeremy Anticouni 

McGowan Guntermann, Travis Wilson 

Olio é Limone 

Porch, Diane & Christie 

Santa Barbara County Firefighters 

Santa Barbara Encina Lodge 

SBParent.com, Rachael Steidl 


Summer For Kids, Mark & Adriana Shuman 

Teddy Bear Committees 

University Movers, Joey Maida 

Pat Weeks 

◙ Community 

Albertson’s 

Babcock Winery, Lisa & Bryan Babcock 


Business First Bank 

California Highway Patrol: 

Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, 

Ventura, Santa Ynez/Buellton, Moorpark 

Coastal Quilters Guild of Santa Barbara & Goleta 

Crane Country Day School 

Lanspeed Computer Solutions 

Learningden Preschool, Erica Butler 

Mission Linen 

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center 

Ralphs 

Dr. Robert Ruby, DDS 

Rusty’s Pizza 

Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Randy Weiss 

Santa Barbara Ice Company 

Santa Barbara Kids Triathlon 

Victorian Vogue & The Costume Shoppe 

Vons 

◙ Volunteers 

Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority (UCSB) 

Jennifer Bankenbeckler 

Calderon Family 

Tammi and TT Cordeiro 

Maddy, Hannah & Bob Franklin 

Cynthia Frohling 

Toni Holdren 

Bibi Moezzi 

Regina Nicolas 

Lorraine Romero 

Lisa Schatz 

Mary Ann Solodon 

Teddy Bear Storytellers: 

Jo Berkus 

Deborah Bertling 

Peter Devoy 

Louise Knight 

Sunni Maxwell 

Pat Weeks 

Bobbi White 

Young Professionals: 

Dana Golden 

Amie Parrish 

Diane Rene 

Ryan Solomon 

◙ Grants 

Wood-Claeyssens Foundation 

Santa Barbara Foundation 

Dear Jack Foundation 

Volentine Foundation 

Weingart Foundation 

Towbes Foundation 

Bank of Santa Barbara 

Montecito Bank & Trust Community Dividends 

Santa Barbara Bank 

Issa Family Foundation 

Venoco Foundation 

Wells Fargo Foundation 

◙ Collaborations 

11 Sports Marketing 

American Cancer Society 

Angel Flights 

Camp Ronald McDonald 

Cancer Center of Santa Barbara 

Community Memorial Hospital Cancer Center 

Eric’s Angels 

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria 

Goleta and Ventura Boys and Girls Clubs 

Hospice of Camarillo 

Hospice of Santa Barbara 

The Landon Foundation 

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 

LifeChronicles 

Marian Medical Center 

Santa Barbara Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic 

Santa Barbara Zoo 

Transition House 

Unity Shoppe 

Ventura County Medical Center’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic 

Ventura County Medical Research Foundation 

Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara 

Wellness Community of Ventura County 


Did You Know? 

Did you know...? 

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46 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every day. 

One in every 330 children will develop cancer by age 20. 

Cancer takes the lives of more children than ALL other childhood diseases combined. 

Childhood cancer occurs regularly, randomly and spares no ethnic group, 

socio-economic class or geographic region. 

Chemotherapy can last over three years for these children. 

There is a proven correlation between the time a parent spends with their sick child 

and the child’s recovery and survival. This is not to say a child will recover as a result of 

a parent’s presence, but it has a significant influence on how they accept and react 

to the cancer and to treatment. 

It is often impossible to sustain an adequate income while providing the care required 

for a child suffering from cancer. 

Children with cancer, and their families, frequently experience extended hospital 

stays, sometimes as long as six months or more. 

Life after cancer treatment often consists of continued support while treating side 

effects caused by chemotherapy such as cognitive learning problems, diabetes, loss 

of bone density, hearing loss, sterility, obesity and more. 

Although the five-year survival rate is steadily increasing, one quarter of children will 

die within five years from the time of diagnosis. 

An average of 12,500 children and adloescents are diagnosed with cancer each year 

in the United States. 

Each year, 3,000 children die of cancer. 

Research has improved cure rates, but not enough. 

Due to progressive treatments, the majority of children with cancer will grow up to 

adulthood and live a normal lifespan. 


Testimonials 

There are not enough words to describe how grateful our family is for all your support and kindness during our 

time of need. You’ve helped us with so much from assisting us in getting a new car when our van broke down 

so that we could take Raymond to treatment, to assisting us with getting out of a family transition shelter into 

our own home. Thank you. 

The Hendersons 

The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation has always been there for us. They have helped with bills and 

transportation to doctor’s appointments. We could not imagine getting through this difficult time without the 

help and support of Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. 

Musette Zamora & Jeffrey Gerke 

We thank you for all that you have done from the bottom of our hearts. It has truly been a blessing. I am now 

able to drive my son to all his treatments, and I owe it all to the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. Knowing that 

there are people who really care regardless of nationality, you have truly touched my heart in a way it has 

never been before and we pray that you will continue until the day we find a cure for cancer. 

Raheem Coleman and family 

We have to be thankful to you over and over and over. How does it feel to know that you have made a 

tremendous impact on many lives? How does it feel to know that you actually helped save Melinda’s life? My 

heart is splashing over with gratitude right now and every single day that I can be with Melinda. I love her from 

the depth of my soul, and I just cannot tell you what it means to me that you have such a loving heart that you 

would do such wonderful things for children. I will never be able to tell you in words, but my prayer is that I will 

be able to pass on the love and joy that you have gifted my life with. I could cry buckets of tears for a month 

and I would still have an endless supply to express my never-ending thanks. 

Lee Marchiano 

Thank you Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. You have made me feel so relieved by paying for rent when my 

bank account balance is going to be minus soon. With your friendship and support, I feel stronger as I take 

care of my little Lumi. 

Love, Renwei Chen 

The “Bear” Facts 

TBCF provides 10 times more financial assistance than any other national organization that 

supports children with cancer. 

In 2009~ 

• TBCF served 445 individuals which represents 104 families. 

• Of these 104 families, 51 received Financial Assistance and an additional 53 benefited from 

others services offered by the foundation. 

• TBCF offered its services to 751 individuals, including parents and siblings, representing 178 

families. Not all families who were offered our services this year needed our assistance, but 

TBCF is committed to making sure they know we are here when and if they need us. 


133 East De La Guerra, #163 

Santa Barbara, CA 93101 

Jeanette Orrantia 

August 18, 1995 ~ October 14, 2009

IMPRESSIONS

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