Women of Purpose Events

On May 8, 2008 Hillside House held its 5th annual Women of Purpose luncheon. For the past four years our unique and inspirational event has been held in the gardens of El Mirador Estate in Montecito; made possible through the generosity of owner, Tita Lanning. Each of our luncheons is highlighted by an inspirational address delivered by an individual who has had to cope with significant barriers or challenges in order to achieve his or her goals.

In 2008, 210 people attended our luncheon to hear Gail Williamson speak on the value of family and the necessity to take responsibility in one’s life.  Through the generosity of our guests and sponsors, Hillside House netted more than $54,000 in support of our operations, the highest total yet for our annual luncheon. 

This year’s luncheon featured speaker Gail Williamson, named 1999 Mother of the Year by American Mother’s Inc., an organization that has been recognizing the value of motherhood since 1933. In 1990 Gail was introduced to the entertainment industry when her son Blair, who has Down syndrome, was featured in a national commercial; opening her eyes to the powerful influence of the media and how it could be utilized to help reshape contemporary views of people with disabilities.

Since 1990, Gail coordinated the Talent Development and Industry Relations Division of the Media Access Office. M.A.O. is a non-profit disability resource, serving the entertainment industry under the guidance of the Governor of California’s Committee for the Employment of Disabled Persons. Gail currently works as an administrator with a Los Angeles-based organization for people with developmental disabilities. Gail’s work is praised throughout the disabilities community and she has also been recognized as one of Family Circle magazine’s “Women Who Make a Difference” (June 1999). Gail has been married for 25 years, she is the biological mother of two children and in 1995 she and her husband became the legal guardians to Gail’s six nieces after their parents had died.

At every luncheon a leading citizen of Santa Barbara is honored with the Man or Woman of Purpose Award for the inspirational example he or she has provided our community. This year we honored Tom Thomas, long time president and CEO of Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, for his own, as well as the Bank’s, support of so many non-profits in Santa Barbara.

Our luncheons are open to the public and we encourage all to attend and help make a difference for Hillside House. If you would like to receive an invitation to the 2009 Women of Purpose luncheon please call or e-mail Curt Lauber in the Hillside House Development Office: clauber@hillsidehousesb.org or (805) 687-0788 ext. 15. We would be delighted to share this special occasion with you.