Jim and Vanessa Bechtel. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) proudly announces three honorees who will be recognized during the nonprofit’s 7th Annual Gold Ribbon Luncheon on September 25, 2019 from 11a – 2p at Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore in Santa Barbara.
The Luncheon is the culmination of the 7th Annual Gold Ribbon Campaign, held in recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. The Campaign aims to increase awareness about pediatric cancer and how it affects families and bring attention to the critical role TBCF plays in supporting families in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties that have a child battling cancer
2019 Honorees
Heart of Gold Award: Michael and Kathy McCarthy, The Nurture Foundation
Michael and Kathy McCarthy have been generous supporters of TBCF for over a decade. In 2002, the same year TBCF was founded, Michael and Kathy started The Nurture Foundation; pledging to gift 10% of their income to select nonprofit organizations supporting children, health, education, and women.
In addition to The Nurture Foundation’s continued support, Kathy has spent several years serving on our fundraising event committees as well as lovingly co-chaired TBCF’s “Celebrating 10 Years” Gala in 2012.
The evening before the Gala, Michael and Kathy opened their beautiful home to 100 guests to host the TBCF VIP Reception. This incredibly generous gesture was a wonderful way to celebrate TBCF’s accomplishments and was truly a special evening.
In 2013, the McCarthys opened their home yet again to host a memorable Mediterranean Cuisine Dinner Party featuring courses from Spain, Italy, Greece, Southern France and Turkey as a fundraiser for TBCF.
In 2015, when Faith, one of TBCF’s children, needed a special outfit for a very special occasion, Kathy once again jumped into action by providing an exciting shopping spree at her daughter’s store, K Frank. Faith was able to pick out a beautiful dress, shoes, and jewelry for her special event.
For more than two years now the McCarthy’s boutique, The Nurture Cottage located on Coast Village Road, has been a place of great support to TBCF. Since they opened their doors in 2017, they have been devoted to gifting 100% of proceeds to TBCF and other important organizations close to their hearts.
Kathy serves as a TBCF Ambassador and actively advocates for local families who have a child battling cancer.
Michael and Kathy have been happily married for 42 years and are parents to five children and nine grandchildren. Family is very important to them, and so is supporting local families. In recent years, they have found joy by helping younger generations learn the importance of charitable work and giving back. They have been true champions of the cause and it is TBCF’s pleasure to honor them with the Heart of Gold Award.
Humanitarian Award: Jim and Vanessa Bechtel
Since TBCF’s early days, Jim and Vanessa Bechtel have been generous and passionate supporters. Jim first moved to Santa Barbara in 2004, where he learned about TBCF after a very personal experience with pediatric cancer. His first involvement with TBCF was attending the Luncheon as a guest. He was so moved by the Luncheon, that he became determined to get involved, and joined a TBCF Committee in 2005.
After initial involvement, he was blown away to see the impact that a small group of dedicated people can do to make a difference in the lives of local families. Jim joined TBCF’s Board in 2009 and subsequently served as Board Chair from 2012 to 2014, showing strong leadership and advocacy for the families TBCF serves. Jim has also been uniquely positioned to provide valuable feedback as someone who has personally experienced the hardships of pediatric cancer.
Vanessa was first introduced to TBCF at a fundraising event where she heard a family share their journey with pediatric cancer and the impact TBCF had made along the way. Having seen first-hand the emotional devastation cancer had on those she loved dearly; she was deeply moved by the Foundation’s mission.
“People have an opportunity to give of themselves, and one of the biggest ways I can contribute is time and experience,” said Vanessa. “Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is a Central Coast treasure, and it separates our community from others. TBCF brings a human element to the work that we’re doing that’s exponentially more powerful than just financial aid.”
In addition to other TBCF groups that Vanessa has belonged to over the years, she was instrumental to the success of TBCF’s Inaugural Gold Ribbon Campaign through her time spent sharing ideas formulating and developing structure for the Campaign.
Both Jim and Vanessa have been dedicated to improving the human condition of TBCF Families and have gone the extra mile by providing resources, guidance and services. TBCF adores the Bechtels and is honored to present them with the Humanitarian Award.
Pay It Forward Award: Marchiano Family
In 2007, Melinda knew something wasn’t right. Her family took her to doctors for months to figure out what was causing the pain in her body. Doctors continually reassured her that everything was normal. Finally, after receiving a chest X-ray and a CT scan, they identified a problem. On Dec. 18, 2007, 13-year-old Melinda was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and just two days after Christmas she began treatment at Cottage Children’s Medical Center.
During treatment, the Marchiano family was introduced to TBCF.
“In our family’s darkest hour, TBCF appeared as a glimmering beacon of hope. The help Melinda received was life-saving. It’s our privilege to express our deep gratitude to TBCF by supporting their vital mission to help children and families on their own path to a cure,” said Melinda’s mom, Lee.
After her treatment was complete, Melinda developed a life-threatening eating disorder due to side effects of her chemotherapy, which she battled for over a year. Throughout this time, her family noticed that she had lost her sparkle; her usual bubbly self was fading. As part of her healing process she began to write. She wrote in her spiral notebook about her journey and it became an outlet for her. When she read a few pages aloud, her mom instantly knew others in similar situations would benefit from reading her story. Her mom began typing her notebook entries into book form and on Oct. 30, 2009 Melinda published the book at age 15.
Her book was incredibly successful and together Melinda and her mom toured the United States as she received prestigious book awards. They turned this opportunity into a way to pay it forward and decided they would not only do a book tour, but would also tour pediatric oncology hospitals, meet doctors and share their story with the children in treatment. Melinda even shaved her head again after her hair grew back in solidarity for those currently in treatment!
The Marchiano family have shared their story across the country. They were TBCF’s featured speakers at the nonprofit’s Inaugural Santa Barbara Little Heroes Event and our Inaugural Westlake Little Heroes Event. They have delivered Christmas trees and gifts to TBCF families and continue to pay it forward every day.
“The assistance our family received from TBCF was astonishing! No amount of paying it forward will ever be sufficient to match our gratitude,” said Lee.
Melinda is currently cancer free and working at the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, teaching dance to middle and high school students. She is a dancer with Cantinas Foundation, a Pilates instructor, and was recently married. TBCF is proud of her and honored to present the Marciano family with the Pay It Forward Award.
The Gold Ribbon Luncheon
The Gold Ribbon Luncheon will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, at the Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore on the Monte Vista Lawn. The Luncheon will include an auction, facilitated by Sean Kelly from Storage Hunters. as well as a new fun activity-wine tastings! Wine tasting will be provided by Encell, Jaffurs, Los Cincos Locos, Melville, Millesime and Rancho Boa Vista Wineries.
Tickets to the Gold Ribbon Luncheon held on Wednesday, September 25th are available for $150. To purchase a sponsorship or Luncheon tickets or to make a donation to the Gold Ribbon Campaign, visit www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org or call (805) 962-7466
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization providing financial and emotional support to families of children with cancer living in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. Services are providing to families that have a child diagnosed with cancer up to age 18 and continue until they reach 21 years of age. To learn more about Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and how you can support families that have a child with cancer please visit www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org or contact 805-962-7466 or info@teddybearcancerfoundation.org
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is asking the community to GO GOLD and relies on the generous community through financial donations and volunteer support and encourages you to contact them today!