Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will host its annual fundraiser gala, Pacific Dutch Group Presents: An Evening in Bloom, A Roaring 20s Affair, honoring Diana and Clyde Freeman, 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25. The event will take place in the outdoor courtyard of the Girls Inc. campus, 5315 Foothill Road, Carpinteria.
Featuring an elegant Roaring 20s theme, the event will honor the Freemans for their commitment and service to the Carpinteria community, including more than a decade of service to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. The fundraiser will also commemorate the organization’s 50th anniversary.
“This year’s Bloom event is extra special, as we celebrate 50 years of inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold in addition to honoring two extraordinary leaders in our community,” said Jamie Collins, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria executive director. “We’re proud to recognize Diana and Clyde and their undeniable passion and dedication not only to Carpinteria, but also to building a better future for our youth.”
Clyde Freeman is a senior vice president with Montecito Bank & Trust and has some 50 years of experience in commercial real estate and construction lending. His community service includes more than 12 years of involvement with Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, including serving as board president, 2014-16, and as a key member of the finance committee.
Freeman is a past president of the Carpinteria Lions Club and currently the club’s treasurer; and a board member for the Carpinteria Lions Community Building Association. His love and appreciation for the community also inspired him to join Carpinteria Beautiful, where he has served as a board member and treasurer for 12 years.
Additionally, Freeman has served on the boards of the Carpinteria Valley Historical Society, Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce, and the city’s Community Block Development Grant committee.
Diana Freeman’s earlier years of volunteering centered on serving children and young adults. She has served as a Sunday school teacher’s assistant, a Blue Bird and Campfire Girls leader, PTA president, and PTA school district vice president where she was responsible for coordinating conventions for five school districts in Southern California.
After moving to Carpinteria, she became involved with Girls Inc. of Carpinteria by volunteering for events and ultimately joining the Board of Directors and serving as board secretary. She is also a member and past president of Carpinteria Beautiful and has been a volunteer with the city’s Host Program, Carpinteria Arts Center, Carpinteria Avocado Festival, and Carpinteria Lions Club.
Pacific Dutch Group Presents: An Evening in Bloom, A Roaring 20s Affair will feature a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour, plated dinner catered by Food Liaison, hosted bar, silent and live auctions, and entertainment by the Cate School Jazz Band. Theme clothing is suggested, but not required.
Tickets are $100 or $150 for VIP entry (begins at 4 p.m. with gaming tables) and all proceeds support Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s programs and services for local girls. For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to buy tickets, call 805-684-6364 or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.
2021 sponsors include: Pacific Dutch Group, CARP Growers, Chevron, Diana & Clyde Freeman, Baird Wealth Management, Bartlett, Pringle, & Wolf, Byers Manufacturing, Collins/Balch Family, Headwaters, Montecito Bank & Trust Lori Pearce, Gail Persoon, Union Bank, Ed Van Wingerden, Winfred Van Wingerden, and Sheila Batson.
To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.