Gratitude Luncheon

Description

The event—led by Chair Anne Smith Towbes—will feature keynote speaker Bill Pintard, Executive Director and Field Manager, Santa Barbara Foresters/Hugs for Cubs. America's most successful summer-ball coach, and a Santa Barbara-area baseball legend, Bill Pintard has led the Santa Barbara Foresters and its cancer-support charity, Hugs for Cubs, since 1995. Bill's Foresters have finished in the top four nationally nearly every year since 2003, an unmatched record of success among summer-ball teams. He led them to ten National Baseball Congress World Series National Championships—in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022—the most titles in tournament. A longtime Carpinteria resident, Bill directs the work of the Foresters off the field as well, whether that means raising funds, supporting Hugs for Cubs, leading board meetings, or meeting with the media, sponsors, and community leaders. Away from his busy Foresters life, Bill runs a commercial real estate business and is a scout for the New York Yankees, helping other young ballplayers realize their diamond dreams. Bill was honored for his work with young people by being named an Olympic torchbearer in 2000 and was named a “Local Hero” by the Santa Barbara Independent in 2003. In 2009, he was given the prestigious Sparky Anderson Award by the Association of Professional Ballplayers for his ongoing contributions to baseball player development. He was elected to the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame in 2011. He also was instrumental in arranging the Foresters' two trips to Cuba to play top teams on that island. At home, he is supported by his ever-patient wife Kris and is proud father of daughters Brittney and Kelby and son Ethan. He includes “Grandpa” on his list of titles for Riley, Ana, Brooklyn, and Caden. Please help us make this year's event the most successful ever on behalf of the young people whose bright futures depend on this life changing experience.