For more than a decade, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s annual fundraising event has served as a gathering point for the community — a night that blends celebration, storytelling, and shared investment in the future of local girls, according to the organization.
While the theme changes each year, the purpose has remained constant: to sustain the programs that help girls grow up “strong, smart and bold.”
This year’s gala, called Watch Her Rise, will be at 5 p.m., Saturday, March 7 at the Girl’s Inc. of Carpinteria Campus, 5315 Foothill Road, Carpinteria.
For tickets, sponsorships and donations, visit here.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria did not always host a large-scale fundraising gala. For a number of years it focused primarily on program-centered celebrations that honored girls and their achievements, organizers said.
In the mid-2010s, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria introduced its first signature fundraising event, originally known as an Evening in Bloom, held at Westerlay orchid house.
“The evening created a new opportunity for the broader community to gather in support of Girls Inc.’s mission while celebrating the impact of its work,” Girls Inc. said.
As attendance and community interest grew, the event evolved. In 2019, it transitioned to the Girls Inc. campus due to venue changes and fire code requirements.
That move marked the beginning of a new chapter — one that allowed the organization to reimagine the format, expand its reach, and incorporate creative annual themes that reflected the spirit of the moment,” organizers said.
Over the years, the event has taken on a variety of themes and formats, including a fully virtual experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the resilience of both Girls Inc. and the community that supports it.
Shift to One Signature Event
Until recently, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria hosted two major annual gatherings, one focused on celebrating girls, and another centered on fundraising.
Last year, the organization moved to a single, unified annual fundraiser.
“The decision was intentional,” the organization said. “By consolidating efforts into one signature event each year, Girls Inc. aimed to reduce sponsor fatigue while deepening the overall impact and experience of the evening.”
The annual gala now serves as the organization’s primary fundraising event, bringing together families, local businesses, civic leaders, and longtime supporters for a night that highlights both celebration and impact.
The 2026 gala theme Watch Her Rise reflects both the journey of the girls served and the community that stands behind them.
Throughout the evening, guests will hear stories from participants and alumnae, honor community leaders, and see firsthand how Girls Inc. programs foster confidence, leadership and opportunity.
Funds raised during the gala directly support year-round programming, including after-school enrichment, STEM initiatives, athletics, leadership development, mentorship, and college-to-career pathways designed to ensure girls across Carpinteria and surrounding communities have access to a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive.
“While the décor, theme, and programming may change each year, the heart of the event does not,” organizers said.
The annual gala represents:
• Shared commitment to equity and opportunity
• Celebration of girls’ achievements
• A moment to reflect on how far the organization has come
• Renewed promise to continue investing in the next generation
As Girls Inc. of Carpinteria prepares for this year’s Watch Her Rise Gala, the organization honors the history of An Evening in Bloom, the adaptability shown during years of transition, and the steady growth that has strengthened its mission.
“The evening stands as a reminder that when a community comes together in support of girls, the impact reaches far beyond a single night,” Girls Inc. said.
For more about Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.