CEC's Green Gala, the eco-chic event of the year, looked and felt exquisite -- but still reflected CEC's core environmental ethic.

Almost everything at the event was borrowed, repurposed or vintage: the costumes, the greenery, the décor, the centerpieces, and more. All food and drink was carefully sourced, with an emphasis on local, organic and in many cases vegetarian for every course.

In addition, we hand-sorted all the waste at the end of the evening. For the last two years, over 90% of the waste generated by the Green Gala has been recycled or composted. This year, CEC is proud to announce that we diverted 97% of the waste generated. These numbers far exceed waste management practices of any standard event and are exemplary even for an event striving to be considered "zero waste." Read the full report from Green Project Consultants...


Thank you to Merryl Brown Events for paying such close attention to these details. It is this kind of effort that has won Merryl and her team prestigious national awards for the Green Gala, such as the 2010 International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit Award. Special thanks to Green Project Consultants for helping us manage the waste that evening.

This beautiful gypsy caravan can be yours! It is the featured auction item at CEC’s Green Gala.

Ideal as an artist studio, guest cottage, romantic getaway or over-the-top conversation piece, the Gypsy Caravan has been built in the Ledge style of gypsy caravans — a narrow base with upright sides, extended living space, and arched roof.

Our Gypsy Caravan features sleeping quarters for two in a custom-built and dressed double bed, built-in desk and closet, indoor and outdoor sconces and a painted chandelier with antique Austrian crystals, powered by an off-grid solar panel. Built from the ground up using mostly reclaimed wood and found material, the entire piece features charming and eclectic recycled, bartered and repurposed items—in true gypsy fashion.

Jim Forsha of Imagine Design Studios and Jamie Nelson of Jamie Nelson Construction in Santa Barbara are the architects, visionaries and builders of this masterpiece. Galvin Painting designed the base painting. The copper roof was donated by Craig Roof Company. The caravan's entire decorative painting, antiquing, processing of the colors, and custom artwork, both inside and outside was done by renowned artist Maryvonne LaParliere. The solar panel was donated by Sun Pacific Solar Electric. Merryl Brown Events coordinated the project from conception to completion. Together, these artisans have created a unique and amazing masterpiece valued at $80,000!

Bidding starts at $20,000. Advance bidding begins Tuesday, October 11 on CEC’s Charity Buzz online auction page.

For more information, contact Kathi King at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .