SANTA BARBARA, CA — Every September, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) shines a light on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month through its annual Gold Ribbon Campaign, a month-long effort to raise awareness and critical funds for local families facing pediatric cancer.
This year’s campaign centers on the power of community and the importance of ensuring that no
family faces childhood cancer alone. While a diagnosis brings overwhelming medical challenges, it also often brings isolation, emotional hardship, and financial strain. TBCF exists to walk alongside families from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship, providing comprehensive support every step of the way.
Since its founding in 2002, TBCF has served more than 6300 children, parents, siblings, and caregivers throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. In 2026 alone, the organization has already supported more than 588 individuals through financial assistance, emotional support services, educational advocacy, and family-centered programs.
Recognizing that every family’s experience is different, TBCF offers a broad continuum of mental health and wellness services, including case management, individual and group counseling, peer support, family connection events, and holiday assistance.
TBCF’s commitment to listening to families and responding to their evolving needs led to the creation of the Central Coast’s first comprehensive Pediatric Cancer Support Center. Opened in 2025 and located just steps from Cottage Hospital, the Center has already welcomed more than 60 families, providing a warm, restorative space where families can access resources, counseling, peer connections, educational programs, and moments of respite outside the clinical environment.
The Gold Ribbon Campaign culminates with TBCF’s signature fundraising event, the Golden Gala, on Saturday, September 19, at Tuscan Hills Estate, generously hosted by longtime supporters Michael Molony and Sylvia Schulte Molony. The evening raises a significant portion of the organization’s annual operating budget, helping ensure every family receives the support they need throughout their child’s cancer journey.
This year’s gala will feature TBCF parent and mental health advocate Mike McGrew, who will share his family’s story and the lasting impact of community during childhood cancer treatment.
Returning as emcee is local philanthropist and community leader Andrew Firestone, whose warmth and enthusiasm have become a beloved tradition of the event.
During the evening, TBCF will recognize several extraordinary champions of its mission:
- The Moradel Tabora Family will receive the Pay It Forward Award for their commitment to giving back through peer support, community fundraising efforts, and ongoing involvement with TBCF, even while navigating their own pediatric cancer journey.
- The Rogers Family will be honored with the Heart of Gold Award in recognition of their longstanding generosity and leadership in helping establish TBCF’s Pediatric Cancer Support Center, where The Family Room proudly bears their name.
- St. Francis Foundation will receive the Humanitarian Award for its partnership in making the Pediatric Cancer Support Center possible through its support of TBCF’s acquisition of the organization’s permanent home.
Throughout September, community members can participate in the Gold Ribbon Campaign by wearing a gold ribbon pin or Go Gold bracelet, donating, volunteering, hosting a fundraiser, or supporting participating local businesses that will donate a portion of proceeds to TBCF. Participating businesses include Grassini Family Vineyards, Bettina, Mission Street Ice Cream & Yogurt, Bar Method, Café Ortega, CAYA at the Leta Hotel, Rori’s, and Mendocino Farms.
For more information about the Gold Ribbon Campaign, the Golden Gala, or the new Pediatric
Cancer Support Center, visit TeddyBearCancerFoundation.org.
