The Santa Barbara Police Activities League’s (PAL) 23rd annual Putting Kids First fund-raising event will honor Santa Barbara Police Department Officer Adrian Gutierrez, and Cmdr. Aaron Baker, who recently retired from the force.
Putting Kids First will be 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 28 at the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum. The benefit is aimed at raising money to support PAL’s academic and enrichment programming for disadvantaged youth in Santa Barbara.
Highlighting the evening will be a brisket cook-off between the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD), California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Sheriff Department, and city of Santa Barbara Fire.
There will also be live and silent auctions, dinner, and a hosted bar.
Gutierrez has been serving the SBPD for 22 years in various assignments from patrol officer to beat coordinator – Eastside, school resource officer, crisis negotiations officer, and community liaison officer.
Driven by his personal commitment to the community, Gutierrez has been dedicated to and involved with SBPAL, California PAL, and National PAL.
This year’s Hero’s Award will be given to Baker, who retired from the SBPD after 28 years, in recognition of his commitment, exceptional leadership in the face of adversity, and service to PAL and the community.
“Both Officer Adrian Gutierrez and Commander Aaron Baker are shining examples of what it means to truly serve and protect a community,” said Judie Lugo, PAL executive director.
“Through their unwavering commitment and dedication to the youth of the Police Activities League, they have not only instilled a sense of safety and trust but have also inspired future generations to give back to their communities,” she said.
“It is an honor to recognize Officer Gutierrez and Commander Baker at this year’s Putting Kids First Fundraiser, as their contributions have truly embodied the spirit of community policing,” Lugo said.
PAL will also be recognizing an alumni of the year, Linda Arellano, who was a PAL participant, PAL staff member, and is now working as a college advisor and professor at California State University, Long Beach.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.sbpal.org/putting-kids-first or contact Judie Lugo at jlugo@sbpal.org.
The Santa Barbara PAL strives to build the bridge between cops, kids, and the community through educational, athletic, and leadership enrichment programs.
Located at the Twelve35 Teen Center, PAL provides teens with holistic programming including academic support and enrichment programs, such as fitness classes and equipment, environmental education, and social-emotional and mental wellness referral support.
For more about PAL, visit www.sbpal.org.