Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will host its 8th annual An Evening in Bloom fund-raiser virtually this year due to the pandemic, but the organization promises to keep things exciting.
In place of the reception held on the Girls Inc. campus, the event kicked off Aug. 24 with a virtual Challenge for Change competition in which teams will compete to raise money and earn prizes.
As the only licensed program offering support to school-aged children in Carpinteria amid the pandemic, the nonprofit has set a bold goal of raising $250,000 to ensure no child is turned away.
The month-long challenge will end with an online wrap party on Sept. 25, held in honor of Mary Crowley, a longtime Girls Inc. of Carpinteria supporter and past board member who was dedicated to giving back to the Carpinteria community. Crowley passed away in January following a long battle with cancer.
“Mary was an exceptional example of strong, smart and bold, and she left an inspirational legacy that enables us to continue our work delivering life-changing programs to local girls and teens,” said Jamie Collins, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria executive director. “She dedicated years of service as a trustee and was heavily involved in our Taste of Carpinteria event.
“We are committed to offering out-of-school care for families in the fall to help with distance learning, and all the funds raised from this virtual event will support our continued efforts. We hope to inspire others to join in and invest in our community’s future leaders,” Collins said.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria reopened its doors on June 1 with new protocols and safety measures in place to protect the health of its members and staff.
The organization provides distance learning support to girls in coordination with each school, classroom and teacher as much as possible, in addition to offering out-of-school programming in the form of its early literacy program, homework assistance and a STEM-focused curriculum.
Girls Inc. staff have also continued to support members remotely through wellness sessions, virtual academic support, virtual hangouts, deliveries of supplies and books, and more.
Community members are encouraged to join an existing team to help support Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Challenge for Change. For more information, to join a team, or to make a donation, visit https://app.mobilecause.com/e/eCvOZA?vid=b2n89 or girlsinc-carp.org.
The virtual event on Sept. 25, filmed at Westerlay Orchids, will feature a live auction, impact stories, special recognition for Crowley and her family, and an event ask.
Bloom 2020 sponsors and current donors include: Greenleaf Landscapes, Westerlay Orchids, Allison Krist, Amanda Magnuson, Andrea Oliver, Andrea Lionello, Angelina Lane, Aubrey Johnson, Autumn Brands, Barry & Katarzyna Brand, Bernice & Jody Giles, Bill Ahern, Blair Naretto, Candi Burquez, Caroline Alarcon, Cole Ramstad.
Daimler Francisco, Diana Freeman, Erica Holtgrewe, Erick Lankey, Grant Cox, Hans & Esther Brand, Ian Bloom, Jamie Collins, Jaymie Lopez, JB Balch, Jill Hauck, Katie Convoy, Kelsey Crouse, Kevin Baird, Lauren Locke, Loren Bass, Lori Pearce, Mark Magnuson, Marybeth Carty, Megan Collins.
Megan Cynaumon, Nicole Kale, Olivia Rennacker, Orlando Hernandez, Peter Dugre, Robert Ingersoll, Ron Kennedy, Samantha Hamlin, Shaun Crowley, Stacy Allison, Suzanne Knight, Thu Nguyen and Walter Ekard.