Photo Exhibit and Events at Art & Soul Gallery:
November 4–8
In keeping with our tradition for this annual event, we’re once again turning to the arts to connect with our community and bring dignity, hope, and humanity to the stories of those we serve. This year’s Gala event involves a compelling collaboration of theatre and photography, requiring significant time and focus from our staff and leadership team. As we respond to an unprecedented demand for the services we provide, it is more important than ever that we prioritize our resources where they are critically needed and can have the greatest impact. And so, in order to honor the artistic integrity of these two powerful experiences and allow our team to focus on direct client care, we have decided to present the collaborative event in a staggered release.
We invite you to experience The Willard Suitcases photographic exhibition by acclaimed photographer Jon Crispin at Art & Soul Gallery from November 4–8 (open Thursday – Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.). Sponsors will enjoy a private event at the gallery and a luncheon on Sunday, November 8 at The Grand on State, Santa Barbara’s exciting new jazz club.
With its vibrant atmosphere and live music, The Grand offers a memorable setting for our supporters to gather, celebrate, and support access to the mental health services that New Beginnings provides.
During the luncheon, guests will also enjoy a special sneak peek of the Willard Suitcases musical, including live performances of songs from the production. The full musical theater production will take the stage in fall 2027, giving us the time and space to bring this powerful production to life.
About the Exhibit
The Willard Suitcases photo exhibit features the discovery, in 1995, of over 400 suitcases in the attic of The Willard Psychiatric Center in upstate New York, when the institution was being closed after 100 years. The stories of the residents – and the photos of the contents of their suitcases that were left behind – are emotionally powerful, funny, strange, and tragic and have a significant resonance in today’s world.
2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
How to Become a Sponsor
To reserve your sponsorship, please select your sponsorship level from the menu above and click Add to Cart. Or mail the sponsorship form. Our address is: 530 E. Montecito Street Suite 101 Santa Barbara, CA. 93103.
Or contact us at development@sbnbcc.org or call (805) 963-7777 x122 for more information, including payment options (check, donor-advised funds, credit card, etc). Thank you for your generous support as we work together to build a more compassionate and resilient community!
Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
Producer (Title) Sponsor $25,000
- 8 tickets to luncheon at The Grand on State November 8
- 8 tickets to Jon Crispin Photo Exhibit at the Art & Soul Gallery
- Recognition and logo or name at event and printed in promotional materials, on agency website and social media and publicity postings
- Premium placement of full-page advertisement in the printed program
- Inclusion in Thank You ad in the S.B. Independent
- 6 seats to each Educational Luncheon
- 10 raffle tickets for gift baskets
Ingenue Sponsor $10,000
- 4 tickets to luncheon at The Grand on State November 8
- 4 tickets to Jon Crispin Photo Exhibit at the Art & Soul Gallery
- Recognition and logo or name at event and printed in promotional materials, on agency website and social media and publicity postings
- Premium placement of half-page advertisement in the printed program
- Inclusion in Thank You ad in the S.B. Independent
- 4 seats to each Educational Luncheon
- 8 raffle tickets for gift baskets
Understudy Sponsor $5,000
- 2 tickets to luncheon at The Grand on State November 8
- 2 tickets to Jon Crispin Photo Exhibit at the Art & Soul Gallery
- Recognition and logo or name printed in promotional materials, on agency website and social media and publicity postings
- Premium placement of quarter-page advertisement in the printed program
- Inclusion in Thank You ad in the S.B. Independent
- 2 seats to each Educational Luncheon
- 6 raffle tickets for gift baskets
Dramatist Sponsor $2,500
- 2 tickets to luncheon at The Grand on State November 8
- 2 tickets to Jon Crispin Photo Exhibit at the Art & Soul Gallery
- Recognition and logo or name printed in promotional materials, on agency website and social media and publicity postings
- Inclusion in Thank You ad in the S.B. Independent
- 4 raffle tickets for gift baskets
Prompter Contributor $1,000
- 2 tickets to luncheon at The Grand on State November 8
- 2 tickets to Jon Crispin Photo Exhibit at the Art & Soul Gallery
- Recognition and logo or name printed in promotional materials, on agency website and social media and publicity postings
- Inclusion in Thank You ad in the S.B. Independent
- 2 raffle tickets for gift baskets
Usher Contributor $500
- 2 tickets to luncheon at The Grand on State November 8
- 2 tickets to Jon Crispin Photo Exhibit at the Art & Soul Gallery
- Recognition and logo or name printed in promotional materials, on agency website, and social media channels
- Inclusion in Thank You ad in the S.B. Independent
For questions about Sponsorship contact (805) 963-7777 x122 or development@sbnbcc.org
2026 Sponsors
Understudy Sponsor
- Lloyd Dallett
- Mindpath College Health
- Mowrer Homeless Justice Fund
- Zegar Family Foundation
- Anonymous
Dramatist Sponsor
- Amy & Glenn Bacheller
- Mary Howe-Grant
- John McManus
- Linda Stafford Burrows
Prompter Contributor
- Bob and Lindy McLean
Usher Contributor
- American GI Forum Education Foundation of Santa Maria, СА
- Stuart Kasdin
- Ellen Rauch
- Robin Rickershauser
2025 Sponsors
Ingenue Sponsor
- Julianna Dain
- Belle Hahn
- Eva & Yoel Haller
Understudy Sponsor
- Mindpath Health
- Mowrer Homeless Justice Fund
- Hon. Susan Rose
- Zegar Family Foundation
Dramatist Sponsor
- Glenn & Amy Bacheller
- Mary Becker
- Linda Burrows
- Valarie & Evan Gardner
- Jackie and Paul Kurta
- Charles and Eileen Read
Prompter Contributor
- Beds 4 U
- Community West Bank
- Cottage Health
- Montecito Bank & Trust
- Jason & Kaci Dominguez
- Benjamin Feld & Rhonda Henderson
- Mary Howe-Grant
- Rick Oshay & Teresa Kuskey/The Oshay Family Foundation
- Diane Pannkuk
- Sandy Schoolfield & Jon Kechejian
- Mahil Senathirajah
- Ronnie Shahbazian
- Randy Sunday
- Anne Towbes
- Willfong-Singh Family
Usher Contributor
- American Riviera Bank
- Movegreen
- Santa Barbara Venture Partners
- SurfaceFX
- Deirdre Hade & Will Arntz
- Suzanne Grimmesey
- Julie LeVay
- Robin Rickershauser
- Sheila M Stone
- Scott Sanford
In Kind Sponsor
- Adam Peot Guitar
- Arnoldi’s Cafe
- Bill’s Copy Shop
- Bouchon
- Brander Winery
- Brophy Bros.
- Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
- Donna & Patrick Will
- EdHat
- J. Le May Studios
- La Lieff Wines
- La Sumida Nursery
- Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards
- Margerum Wine Co.
- Montecito Journal
- Sarita Relis Photography
- Santa Barbara Independent
- Stolpman Vineyards
- Summerland Quartet
- Tony Ybarra Music
Jenny Sullivan
Jenny Sullivan is an award-winning theatre and film director, actor, writer and producer. Favorite directing gigs at: The Wallis Annenberg Theatre, Geffen Playhouse, Royal Manitoba Theatre, The Acorn Off-Broadway, Long Wharf, Williamstown, Laguna Playhouse, The Lobero, Center Rep, Rubicon and Ensemble Theatre of SB.
Jenny is most proud of the premiere of her play J for J starring opposite Jeff Kober and the late great John Ritter. Jenny’s recent work includes directing the world premiere of Tom Dugan’s Jackie Unveiled (with Saffron Burrows) at the Wallis Annenberg in Beverly Hills, The Rubicon premiere of Jane Anderson’s The Baby Dance: Mixed and the Legend of Georgia McBride for Ensemble Theatre Company of SB. Previously, she directed the four-month Off-Broadway run of Tom Dugan’s Wiesenthal.
She has had a long connection with Santa Barbara having lived here for 30 years. This includes directing numerous productions for Ensemble Theatre Company, The Lobero Theatre, and Access Theatre. Jenny was a founding member of Santa Barbara’s “The Mime Caravan,” which produced theatre and also created the annual Summer Solstice Celebration in the mid-70s. Film credits: Access All Areas and The Next Best Thing (in which she had the good fortune to direct her father Barry).
Jon Crispin
