FEBRUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

3rd Annual Valentine’s Luncheon –

A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

We are thrilled to share that the 3rd Annual Hearts to Hearts Valentine’s Luncheon was a tremendous success! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our guests, we raised $200,000, allowing us to continue providing essential support to families with critically ill children. Beyond the funds raised, the event brought a deeper awareness of how every contribution helps make a meaningful impact in our community. 

An Engaging and Heartfelt Event 

The morning kicked off with guests eagerly participating in the silent auction, wine pull, and raffle prize drawing. The silent auction featured beautifully curated Valentine’s Day baskets, fitness packages, jewelry, and more—all thoughtfully assembled by our dedicated Hearts Aligned Luncheon Committee volunteers. 

The wine pull was a hit! For just $25, guests selected a mystery bottle of wine, valued between $25 and $80. Some lucky winners took home premium selections from Caymus, Melville, and Grgich, adding an extra element of excitement to the event. 

The raffle prizes were equally spectacular, with three highly coveted experiences up for grabs: 

✨ A two-night staycation at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Bacara 

Two VIP tickets to the prestigious World of Pinot Tasting 

Two tickets to the 2025 NFL showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers 

Powerful Speakers and an Unforgettable Story 

The ever-charismatic Catherine Remak of K-LITE 101.7 served as our Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer, passionately sharing the mission and impact of Hearts Aligned. 

Our keynote speaker, Heather Sherman, DPT, and Hearts Aligned Board Member, delivered a moving speech about her experience working with pediatric patients. She shared firsthand how a child’s recovery is profoundly influenced by having their parents by their side during hospital stays. 

However, the most touching moment of the day came when Ethan, Diana, and baby Moncerat took the stage. Their story of struggle, resilience, and hope deeply moved everyone in attendance. Watch their powerful journey below. 

A Heartfelt Thank You 

This event would not have been possible without our generous sponsors, underwriters, and donors—thank you for making this luncheon a reality! 

A special thank you to our incredible Co-Chairs, Brigitte Welty and Amie Parish, and the dedicated committee members who poured their hearts into every detail. 

We also extend our deepest gratitude to: 

❤️ Kirsten Stuart – for generously volunteering her expertise in organizing a successful silent auction 

❤️ Margaret Lloyd – for her selfless dedication in designing the beautiful centerpieces 

❤️ Valerie Banks – for expertly managing our volunteers 

❤️ Montecito Bank & Trust – for their amazing team of volunteers managing the check-in and check-out process

❤️ RG Photography – Richard Garnica – for capturing the event’s most memorable moments 

❤️ Mercury Press International – Isaac Hernandez – for creating a beautiful video that told a truly heartfelt story

❤️ Harpist Laurie Rasmussen – for providing the perfect musical ambiance 

Join Us Next Year! 

If you missed this year’s luncheon, we hope you’ll join us next year for another unforgettable afternoon of friendship, fun, inspiring stories, and meaningful impact in our community. 

Make A Difference!

See Photos from the Luncheon

See Photos at heartsaligned.org

Meet Moncerat and her parents

Ethan and Diana were devastated when, halfway through Diana’s pregnancy, they learned that their daughter, Moncerat (Monee), would be born with her intestines outside of her body. The fear that she might not survive was overwhelming. Fortunately, Monee defied the odds, and the moment she was born, she was rushed into surgery.

Determined to be by Monee’s side every day in the hospital, Ethan and Diana faced immense challenges, all while searching for work. Ethan, a veteran who had recently left the military, was unsure how he would provide for his family.

Click below to watch this heartfelt video sharing their journey and the vital support they received from Hearts Aligned.

Donate Now!

In Other Exciting News….

On February 14th, Catherine Remak and K-LITE 101.7 held a 12-hour Valentine’s Day Radiothon from 6 am to 6 pm benefitting Hearts Aligned! Listeners called in to request a song for a donation. Montecito Bank & Trust doubled callers’ donations by pledging a $1,000 match. The Santa Barbara Association of Realtors added another $5,000 pledge later in the day. Thanks to Catherine and K-LITE listeners, their donations totaled $13,600. Thank you ALL for a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Santa Barbara Association of Realtors

The Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAOR) has chosen Hearts Aligned as their 2025 Nonprofit that will benefit from the organization’s fundraising activities. Look for an upcoming golf tournament on Friday, May 30th at Glen Annie Golf Course! We are hoping to raise over $40,000 for Santa Barbara County families that have a critically ill child. Stay tuned for more information.

Donate Now!

Hearts Aligned Inc. | 805-679-5505 | www.heartsaligned.org

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