Carpinterians Lynda Fairly and John Franklin. will be the honorees at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria‘s annual fundraiser, An Enchanted Evening in Bloom, Saturday, Sept. 23.

Lynda Fairly, a community philanthropist, is retired from a distinguished career in public education serving youth and adults, and served at Santa Barbara City College for 34 years. She retired from her last position as vice president of Adult Education almost 10 years ago.

Upon retirement, Fairly moved to Carpinteria and dedicated her time to making a  difference in the community. She now serves on three nonprofit boards, volunteers with various organizations, and is an advocate for the arts, notably as a lead donor for the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center.

Raised by a single mom, Fairly had a role model for independence and knows the value mentorship plays in a child’s life.

“Lynda truly is our ‘Fairly godmother,'” said Jamie Collins, Girls Inc. executive director. “After moving to Carpinteria she quickly imbedded herself into the nonprofit community. Girls Inc. is just one of the lucky benefactors of Lynda’s generosity.

“She knows the value of mentorship and the role that just one caring adult can make in building resiliency in our children. Lynda has been an advocate and partner to all of our girls.”

Franklin, a retired community banker with a 45-year career, primarily at Montecito Bank & Trust, managed the Carpinteria Branch and rose to senior vice president.

He served for 23 years on the Carpinteria Unified School District Board, chaired the Jr. Carpinterian Scholarship committee with the Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce, and was recognized as Carpinterian of The Year in 1992.

Franklin co-founded Las Positas Park (now Eilings Park) Board, and serves on the Summerland Sanitary District Board.

His relationship with Girls, Inc. spans 30-plus years in several capacities. He recently stepped down from the Girls Inc. Board of Directors after over a decade of service and still serves on the finance committee.

“We are so honored to recognize John for his contributions to the Girls Inc. community. Playing an integral part of building our forever home, sitting on our board for countless years, and serving on our finance committee John has helped to inspire thousands of girls to be strong, smart, and bold. He always keeps our mission at the forefront of every decision, and it is truly an honor to celebrate John for his three decades of service,” says Executive Director, Jamie Collins.

Girls Inc. Of Carpinteria invites the public to support its BOLD goal of raising $200,000 to support youth and community. To buy tickets, become a sponsor, or learn more about the event, call 805-684-6364 or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.

To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.