More than $100,000 was raised for United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County (UBGC) at the 35th Annual Carpinteria Kids Auction — Diamonds and Denim — held May 18.
This year’s focus was on funding for recess programming at area schools. UBGC partners with local school districts to help provide staffing and assistance during the recess hour at schools.
With state funding, school staff on playgrounds is limited to one staff member for every 175 kids. UBGC staff is on hand to help run activities for healthy outdoor fun.
A live auction at the benefit, called Bids 4 Kids, brought in $61,000, a record for the Carpinteria auction.
A major sponsor for Bids 4 Kids this year was Chevron. Sara Dearman, Chevron’s representative at the event, had announced that Chevron would be matching dollar-for-dollar up to $30,000 during the Bids 4 Kids item.
Proceeds from Bids 4 Kids go to directly to specific program goals.
As the evening fundraiser opened, guests mingled, enjoyed cocktails made by Lions Club volunteers, and perused items on offer in the largest silent auction in Santa Barbara County.
More than 150 creative packages were available, ranging from local dining certificates to surf lessons, and rose bushes.
Emcee Les Esposito then announced this year’s honoree is Sally Green, who is known for her years in education and community work. She sits on several nonprofit boards and has been involved at Carpinteria Boys & Girls Clubs for 25 years.
Green spoke about the good work the club is doing and how she likes to see academic programming be a key focus of the clubs.
Also honored were Julie Rubio-Shamblin and Chris Schneider, who were inducted into the Carpinteria Boys & Girls Clubs Hall of Fame.
Shamblin attended UBGC as a child. When she was in high school, she volunteered at the club as a teen tutor and coached basketball.
Schneider attended the club for its variety of sports programs, from baseball to basketball to football. He said he enjoyed the day trips to beaches, visiting colleges, and camping trips he had the chance to attend because of UBGC.
“This is such a fun event. I just love how the Carpinteria community comes out in full-force to support their local club,” said Michael Baker, CEO.
Event sponsors included Make A Difference Sponsor Deckers Brand, Gold Sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust, Silver Sponsors Baird Wealth Strategy Group, Tim & Ginny Bliss Family Foundation, and table sponsors.
Barbecue meals were provided by Country Catering.
— Tina Ballue for United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.