Los Olivos Benefit for Children in Murder-Suicide Tragedy

The Santa Ynez Valley came together Friday night in a show of support for the three children of Kim and Gregg Hamilton who died last week in their Los Olivos home.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department says it was a murder-suicide carried out by Gregg Hamilton.

Hundreds of people came to the Zinke Winery on Alamo Pintado Road in Los Olivos Friday night for live music, freshly-cooked food and local wine and beer.

An impressive show of community spirit and support in a time of crisis.

“This is such a close-knit community whenever anybody in this whole valley is hurting, everybody always comes out and supports”, said Babette Grupp who attended the fundraiser for the Hamilton children, “its hurtful that we are here because of it but it’s a wonderful thing that everybody is helping the kids.”

The grounds of the Zinke Winery came alive with a community celebration of life and all that goes with it.

“This community comes together”, added Maggie Mesikep who was friends with Kim Hamilton, “it’s what we do, we come together in times of need, when anyone needs support, we support each other.”

Organizers say they had no trouble lining up support from volunteers and donations from local food and beverage vendors to benefit the three Hamilton children.

“Oh yeah, we spoke with Amber from Zinke Winery, we got in touch with her, this was something we really wanted to be a part of”, said James Gentry of In The Stix Catering which provided barbeque tri-tip sandwiches, “so we hopped on the wagon and went moving with it.”

“This community has come together in a time of tragedy and has become one and has really worked together to help get these kids back on their feet”, said Zinke Winery owner Michael Zinke, “everybody in this community has come together to make this happen, its incredible.”

There will be a celebration of Kim and Gregg Hamilton’s lives Saturday afternoon at St. Mark’s Church in Los Olivos.