SANTA BARBARA BOWL
Long-time show attendee of the Santa Barbara Bowl, Patricia Wright decided to Name-A-Seat for her beloved father and his love of music. After tragedy struck her family, she was glad to have a unique way to share in her father’s memory. Here’s her story:
“I was raised around music, both my mom and my dad (even though they did not stay together) shared music with me. I adored my dad all through my childhood and as an adult. He sang and danced with me, all of his life. We always had music around. My dad was the strength of our family, the rock. He was loving, funny and brave. He often told us he was “A man amongst men,” and we always laughed.
“He also referred to himself as “The Lone Wolf.” He was a family man and very devoted to each of us. On October 26, 2008, my dad and my youngest sister (Katie, aged 24) were hit by a drunk driver. My sister died shortly after due to massive injuries. My dad sustained a traumatic brain injury that severely changed his personality and his life. He suffered, and we all suffered. After the physical injuries healed, he couldn’t understand what was going on and did not recognize how the brain injury had affected him (mental impairment due to frontal lobe damage). I felt helpless as I watched him. On February 5, 2010 my dad took his life.
I wanted to honor him through the Bowl’s Name-A-Seat. While my dad and I never got to attend the Bowl together, I feel connected to my dad walking into the Bowl knowing his seat is there. I don’t want him to be forgotten. It’s difficult knowing I can’t see him anymore; I love having a place to go where I feel my dad’s presence.
My next Name-A-Seat will be for Katie, my sister.”
Everyone at the Bowl thanks Patricia for sharing such a personal and emotional story. We are honored to be a part of it.
Whether your story memorializes or celebrates, hurry to Name-A-Seat before the 2016 Concert Season commences! Prices will be going up on April 1, so make sure to get your donation in now.
