Veggie Rescue on May 1 marked 15 years of impact with its Gathering for Good celebration, and raised more than $100,000 to help meet a growing need.

The event honored founder Terry Delaney, whose vision launched an organization that has rescued and donated 4 million pounds of fresh food to nonprofits serving individuals facing hunger in Santa Barbara County.

Event guests raise their hands as auctioneer Terry Delaney tells them that 'many hands make work light.' (Courtesy photo)
Auctioneer Terry Delaney tells event guests that ‘many hands make work light.’ (Courtesy photo)

Hosted by Kim and Andy Busch, who donated the venue Folded Hills Winery and Farmstead in Gaviota, as well as wines and food, the event brought together community members, supporters and sponsors.

The evening featured a live auction led by auctioneer Tina Ballue, bites donated by local restaurants, and a tribute to Delaney by operations manager Peter Litwiler.

Santa Barbara County has the second highest poverty rate of California’s 58 counties, and hunger remains closely tied to poverty.

With recent federal budget cuts straining local nonprofits, the need for fresh, healthy food is rising. Veggie Rescue’s work to reduce food waste and nourish those facing hunger is now more vital than ever, the organization said.

Veggie Rescue thanks guests, donors and sponsors, including:

50 Carrot Sponsors: Balay Ko Foundation, Mechanics Bank, Rio Vista Chevrolet, Solomon Hills, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation.

25 Carrot Sponsors: Linda Stafford Burrows, New Frontiers Market, the SY Foundation – Nagler Family Funds, and Kevin & Janessa Van Vechten.

Restaurant donors included Apples to Zucchini Cooking School, El Rancho Market, Giorgio’s at Parkway, the Hitching Post, Pico Restaurant, Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch, and Whiskey N Rye.