(Courtesy photo)
Without the possibility of galas, antique shows, or celebrity author luncheons during the pandemic, the 50-year-old CALM Auxiliary has had to think outside the box to keep up with its fundraising efforts. The auxiliary’s successful endeavors throughout the year made it possible for the group to donate $124,000 to CALM on June 16.
The donation was earmarked for CALM’s Great Beginnings department, which serves families and caregivers with children prenatal through age 7, who might be at risk for abuse, neglect or trauma. Great Beginnings services are aimed toward prevention and early intervention.
The CALM Auxiliary’s fundraising events included the following:
In March, auxiliary members (and avid golfers), Edie Zelazny and Roberta Collier, along with their husbands Rick and Matt, decided since the pandemic was driving everyone outside for activity, they would put on a golf tournament to raise money for CALM. The turnout was great, and Sheri Dean and Christopher Odell were the winners.
In April the auxiliary participated in Santa Maria’s CALM Ladies Get Loud. Determined the pandemic wasn’t going to silence them, the group held a virtual event via Zoom, fundraising while wining and dining in their own living rooms.
On Earth Day, Funk Zone businesses Rincon Brewery, Jules of the Sea, and Paddle Sports donated 30% of their sales for the day to benefit CALM.
The auxiliary also go help from il Fustino, which donated what it could from sales of its products.
“We are so grateful for the efforts of the CALM Auxiliary. Auxiliary members are our greatest ambassadors, partners in our outreach and awareness work, and premier fundraisers,” said Alana Walczak, CALM president/CEO. “Their success this year speaks to their ability to adapt, be creative, and of course, lead with their hearts on behalf of CALM.”
Nov. 4 will mark the return to a somewhat more normal event when CALM holds its signature CALM at Heart: Transforming Communities event at a private estate in Montecito.
For more about CALM, visit calm4kids.org or call 805-965-2376.