7th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon Celebrates Centennial and Honors Mothers

On May 9th, the grand ballroom at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort was transformed into an English garden complete with giant topiaries and fountain to celebrate 100 years of caring and to honor mothers at VNHC’s 7th annual Mother’s Day luncheon.

Just over 400 people joined in the celebration as Erin Graffy recounted some of VNHC’s one-hundred-year history as told in the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s Noticias, authored by Erin on behalf of VNHC. Each guest received a copy of Noticias as they left the luncheon so they could learn about all of the organization’s accomplishments since 1908.

Guests were delighted with a presentation by Molly Wrather Dolle and her daughter, Marcy Dolle Bazzani, that remembered the life of Molly O’Daniel Danielson, their mother and grandmother respectively. Molly Danielson was a local philanthropist who had a history of Old Spanish Days’ parades and Santa Barbara celebrations along with her service on local non-profit Boards of Directors.

The honored mother was a surprise this year but guests quickly guessed when Theresa Borgatello Carlson took the stage. She introduced her grandmother, Peggy Borgatello, as the honored mother much to the approval of everyone present. After Theresa’s eloquent words, both of Peggy’s sons, David and Mario, spoke movingly of the positive example their mother has been to them. It was a wonderful tribute to the matriarch of a family that has given so much back to the Santa Barbara community.

Join us in May 2009 for the 8th Annual Luncheon!!!